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Boston marathon qualificationGetting qualified for adream marathon
If you think that it is next to impossible to run the same marathon as the one your great grandfather competed in, youre in for a surprise! The city, which gave America, its first newspaper, also happens to be the city that hosts the oldest Annual City Marathon in the world. A history of over a century is something very hard for anybody to ignore ; but antiquity is not the only parameter to measure its popularity. Age has in no way caught up with this event, indeed ! And, the event happens to be as robust and energetic as a gutsy 20yr old, at 112! Yes Im talking about the Boston Marathon!
What's the hurry, man wait till you turn 18!
Oh! I know you just cant wait to take part in such a special event. But, sorry dear, you just have to wait till you turn 18 ! Wow! What did you say Youre well beyond 18 Its great You have to pass just a couple of tests to be there...to run on the tough terrain of Boston, with over 24999 other participants! Ha! You got me right! The event has a limited field size of 25000 participants. Registration closes once the set field size is reached. So, be an Early Bird, when it comes to registering yourself for the event. What else Well, here comes the real test
The pride of getting qualified
If youre a person who faces challenges head-on, then Boston Marathon is just for you. This is because qualifying for Boston Marathon is an achievement in itself. Boston Athletic Association follows a stringent norm for enrollment of participants into its flagship event, the Boston Marathon. You need to better or at least match the time standards set for qualification into the event, to start your dream run.
All our journeys begin with the first step. If you are planning to take part in Boston Marathon, your first step is to compete in and complete a marathon event, which follows the guidelines laid down by Boston Athletics Association or USA track and field or its equivalent.Austin Marathon, Baystate Marathon, Boston Marathon (if its not your first go at the Boston Marathon !), California International Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Detroit Marathon, New York City Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Royal Victoria Marathon, Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon are some of the Marathons that you can choose to participate in, to get qualified for the Boston Marathon. In essence, the qualifying races that you run must be certified. Boston Marathon is one of the very few Annual City Marathons which insist on qualifying time standards. So, you may not have to produce a proof of your performance to participate in the events that qualify you for the Boston Marathon.And, you need to take part in at least one of those events during a period of one and a half years preceding the date set for the Boston Marathon. i.e. if youre planning to take part in 2008 Boston Marathon, you need to meet or must have met the time standards set by the Boston Athletic Association on or after 26th September 2006. Qualifying time standards set by the Boston Athletics Association varies based on your age group and gender. These standards may vary from time to time. The following table gives a list of qualifying time standards set by the Boston Athletics Association for Boston Marathon 2008.
A grace time of 59 seconds is granted in each of the category mentioned above i.e. for a man / woman falling under the first category, timings of 3:10:59 and 3:40:59 are acceptable.
An all-embracing event
The thrill of participating in a sporting event is something ethereal. Then why should differently- abled people be deprived of such an experience This was the idea behind organizing events specially meant for differently-abled persons. With a handsome prize-money on offer, these events have attracted thousands of participants from across the globe. Boston Athletics Association has the following events included in the Boston Marathon for such people:
If you belong to one of the categories above and youre planning to participate in the Boston Marathon, you must have completed similar marathons in events that observe the guidelines laid down by International Paralympic Committee or Wheelchair sports, USA or The United States Association for Blind Athletes. The cut-off date again stands at one and a half years preceding the date of the Boston Marathon. Qualifying time standards for these events are as under.
If you dont fall under the above categories, you are required to adhere to the guidelines established by recognized Disability Sports Organizations.
You are required to produce a proof of your qualification time, along with the application. A copy of the Finish Certificate or the Result Listing of the qualifying event youve taken part in, will serve as a proof of qualification time. If you have met qualifying times at events that use championship timing and scoring devices, you are exempt from attaching a proof of your qualification time. Proof of disability classification needs to be attached with the application, in case youre entering the events for differently-abled people.
Entry fees for the event stand at $110 for U.S. citizens and $150 for international residents. An additional payment of $50 needs to be made if youre registering after the 1st of March. This fee is excluding an online processing fee of $6. Online registration can be done only on the official website of the Boston Athletic Association.
Apart from individual entries, Boston Athletic Association also registers teams for the marathon event. There are some specific norms which need to be followed, if you are entering as a team.
If youve what it takes to run 26 miles and 385 yards, then Boston Marathon is an event to look forward to. With prize money worth $5,75,000 waiting to be handed out, with over half a million people lining the course to cheer you, with a terrain, demanding the best from within you, Boston Marathon is a marathon like no other!! It has a marathon history too .and probably someday, your Great grandchildren will also be testing their strength on the very course youre now running on ! Why not give it a try
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