So You Wanna Run Like a Champ (or at Least Like You Didn't Just Eat a Truckload of Pancakes) at the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon. The granddaddy of them all. A legendary test of human endurance, where you get to run alongside actual Kenyans who seem to defy gravity. But before you lace up your neonest sneakers and blast Eye of the Tiger on repeat, there's the small matter of, you know, actually getting into the race.
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| How To Get A Place In Boston Marathon |
The Not-So-Secret Qualifying Times
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This ain't your local fun run where everyone gets a medal for finishing (though, hey, those are great too!). The Boston Marathon is all about earning your spot. You gotta be fast, like, seriously fast. We're talking qualifying times that would make a cheetah reconsider its breakfast.
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But Fear Not, Weekend Warrior!
There are qualifying times for every age group, so find yours on the B.A.A. website [They'll probably make you do some light jogging just to access it, kidding... maybe]. Train like a possessed hamster on a wheel, fueled by an ungodly amount of kale and inspirational quotes.
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Word to the Wise: It Ain't Always About Speed
Now, sometimes even the most impressive times get shut out because, well, the Boston Marathon is popular. Like, super popular. If you miss the cut-off (because apparently everyone else on the planet also wants that sweet, sweet Boston Marathon glory), don't despair! There are other ways to weasel...er, I mean, strategically secure your spot.
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- Become a Charity Champion: Run for a cause! Guilt trip your way to the finish line while raising money for something awesome.
- The Power of the Purse: Some charities have guaranteed entry for a fee (because let's face it, sometimes even good deeds have a price tag).
- The Friend Zone: Know someone who works for a sponsor? Befriend them. Shamelessly.
- Wheelchair Wonder: The Boston Marathon is inclusive! If you compete in the wheelchair division, qualifying times are different (check the B.A.A. website, again, those hamsters might be judging you).
- Become a Boston Marathon Legend (Just Kidding, Probably): Win the race a bunch of times, or run it ten years in a row. This category is not for the faint of heart (or knee).
How to FAQs
Alright, alright, enough with the jokes (mostly). Here are some quick answers to your burning Boston Marathon entry questions:
- How to Qualify with a Time? Train hard, check the B.A.A. website for qualifying times, and run a certified marathon faster than that time.
- How to Enter as a Charity Runner? Find a charity that offers guaranteed entry, sign up, and get ready to raise some serious dough (and dust on the course).
- How Much Does it Cost to Run with a Charity? It varies, so check with your chosen charity. But hey, at least it's for a good cause (and your Boston Marathon bragging rights).
- How Else Can I Get In? The options above are your best bet. Unless you, like, discover a time machine and win a past Boston Marathon. That might work too.
- How Do I Train for a Marathon? This one requires a whole other blog post! But for starters, consult a coach, listen to your body, and be prepared to eat a lot of pasta (and maybe some kale for good measure).
So there you have it! Now get out there, train like a fiend, and maybe, just maybe, you'll see yourself on Boylston Street, high-fiving cheering crowds and feeling like a champ (or at least someone who didn't inhale a truckload of pancakes).
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