You and 30,000 Maniacs: Conquering the Boston Marathon (Except You Might Not Actually Conquer It)
Ah, the Boston Marathon. The holy grail of marathons, the one that makes your knees weak and your Fitbit cry. But before you dust off your neon spandex and stock up on energy goo (seriously, that's a thing?), there's the small matter of, you know, getting in.
Here's the Lowdown on How to Apply for the 2024 Boston Marathon (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Easy)
1. Be a Speed Demon (or at least a Speedy-ish Demon)
The Boston Marathon is all about earning your spot. You gotta qualify by running another marathon in a ridiculously fast time that varies depending on your age and gender. Think sub-4-hour marathons for some folks. So, yeah, unless you've been secretly training with cheetahs, this might be a pipe dream for year one.
But fear not, my fellow mortals! There are other ways to snag a bib.
Become a Charity Rockstar: Many charities offer spots in exchange for fundraising. Train like a beast, then unleash your inner social media butterfly and guilt your friends and family into sponsoring you.
Become an Elite Athlete (Not Really, But Play Along): There are categories for past Boston Marathon winners, Paralympians, and non-binary runners. If you happen to fall into one of these categories, high five! You're basically a marathon celebrity.
2. Mark Your Calendar (Unless You Have Time Travel Skills)
Applications for the 2024 Boston Marathon are long gone (sorry, time machine not included). But fret not, future marathoner extraordinaire! Registration for the 2025 race opens in September 2024.
3. The Waiting Game (Because Apparently, Everyone Wants to Run This Thing)
Even if you qualify, getting in isn't guaranteed. Applications can outnumber available spots, so sometimes it comes down to a lottery. Just imagine, refreshing your email like a crazed penguin waiting for a fish delivery.
4. Prepare for the Big Day (Because It's a Big Deal)
If you do get in, congratulations! You're about to embark on a journey that will test your physical and mental limits (and your wardrobe choices – neon is practically mandatory). Start training like a boss, figure out your carb-loading strategy, and maybe invest in some heavy-duty pain medication (just kidding... mostly).
Bonus Tip: Befriend someone who lives along the route. Post-race couch potato status is a real thing, and trust us, you'll be very grateful for a comfy place to collapse.
How To FAQs:
How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon?
By running another marathon in a qualifying time (check the B.A.A. website for details).
How to Apply for the Boston Marathon (Besides Qualifying)?
Run with a charity or apply as a Paralympian/past winner/non-binary runner (categories may vary).
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for the Boston Marathon?
The application fee is relatively low, but fundraising minimums for charities can vary.
When Does Boston Marathon Registration Open?
Registration for the following year's race typically opens in September.
What Should I Wear for the Boston Marathon?
Comfort is key, but neon is highly encouraged (it practically screams, "Look at me, I'm running a marathon!").
