BAA Adjusts Qualifying Times for Boston Marathon
For the first time in 13 years, the Boston Athletic Association has adjusted its qualifying standards for runners in the Boston Marathon.

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Posted Tuesday, 25 June, 2002

BOSTON, MASS. (June 27, 2002) - For the first time in 13 years, the Boston Athletic Association has adjusted its qualifying standards for runners in the Boston Marathon. The new qualifying times affect runners who are 45 years of age and older. The maximum field size has also been increased to 20,000 athletes, up from 15,000 in 2001 and 2002.

BAA officials say the move was made to accommodate more participants. The adjustment in the qualifying times follows a review and analysis of the performances across the sport, and three new age groupings have been created (70 to 74 years old; 75-79 years old; and 80 years and older).

"It is a common belief that the older age group standards were too challenging," said race director Dave McGillivray. "Researching recent past data available through a variety of sources gave us a strong sense that the adjusted times are more in line with what can be more reasonably obtained nowadays."

To qualify for the 107th Boston Marathon, to be held April 21, 2003, athletes must meet the designated time standard that corresponds to their age and gender group. Qualifying times must have been run between September 28, 2001 and February 2, 2003 at a certified marathon. Seeding is based on qualifying times, which are subject to review and verification.

"I think the changes are great," said four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers, 54, who has in recent years become a vocal advocate of masters and senior running. "Older runners are making all kinds of breakthrough efforts in the sport, and the BAA is leading the way in acknowledging and encouraging them.

"We'll see more older runners at Boston because of this," Rodgers added. "Just to be fit when you're older and to demonstrate it using the race as a symbol is very powerful. This is part of a revolution in human achievement."

Age on April 21, 2003 determines a participant's qualifying time, and age group on the day of the qualifying race may differ. The qualifying times remain unchanged for the wheelchair division and mobility impaired programs.

Entries from athletes meeting the qualifying times will be accepted until February 3, 2003 or until the maximum field size of 20,000 is reached, whichever comes first.

Online registration will be available September 9, 2002. Instructions and details are on the official Boston Marathon web site.

B.A.A. accepts net times from chip scoring systems. Proof of qualification, such as copy of a finish certificate or results listing (non-returnable), must accompany the entry form. Qualifying times attained at marathons using the ChampionChip timing and scoring device do not require submission of proof. Athletes must be 18-years or older on April 21, 2003.

The last time the qualifying standards were adjusted for runners was in preparation for the 1990 Boston Marathon. The BAA first introduced qualifying times to the Boston Marathon in the early 1970s in order to limit the field size. However, during the last 30 years, the Boston Marathon's qualifying standards have become the target times for many aspiring marathoners and have contributed to the popularity of running.

Boston remains the only major marathon, other than Olympic trials marathons and the Olympic Games Marathon, in which runners must post a qualifying time in order to gain entry.

Related info:
Official Boston Marathon website

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