{"id":40993,"date":"2015-06-29T11:15:05","date_gmt":"2015-06-29T15:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=40993"},"modified":"2022-01-20T08:49:38","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T13:49:38","slug":"bq-boston-qualifying-best-fall-marathons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/bq-boston-qualifying-best-fall-marathons\/","title":{"rendered":"Fast Fall Marathons to Earn a BQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

From the starting line in Hopkinton, MA to the iconic finish line on Boylston Street, the local roads and rolling hills that make up the\u00a0Boston Marathon<\/a>\u00a0course are hallowed grounds to the running community. And it\u2019s the only major public marathon to require official qualifying times for participants, excluding charity runners.<\/p>\n

According to the Boston Athletic Association (BAA)<\/a>, this practice started back in 1970, when the field size of the race increased to well over 1,000 runners with the nation\u2019s first running boom. Not wanting to compromise the quality of its race, the BAA determined the first qualifying time standards, which continue to evolve<\/a>\u00a0and grow tougher\u00a0each year.<\/p>\n

Qualifying times vary from year to year. In 2013, the times dropped by five minutes<\/a> across all age groups. Today, if you\u2019re between the ages of 25-34, you\u2019ll have to run at least<\/em> a 3:05 (men) or a 3:35 (women) marathon to earn a coveted BQ (short for \u201cBoston Qualifying\u201d time). We say at least<\/em> because the actual\u00a0registration<\/a>\u00a0is a rolling process, with the fastest qualifiers being allowed to sign up first. Those with slower BQ times run the risk of getting cut off, depending on the number of registrations in any given year.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>How to Run the Boston Marathon Like a Pro<\/a><\/p>\n

These qualifying\u00a0time standards<\/a> often represent the pinnacle goal for marathon runners. Dreaming of racing in the most historic and fastest marathon<\/a>\u00a0in the country? Signing up for one of these BQ-friendly fall marathons may be your best to drop time and secure your spot on the storied streets.<\/p>\n

Note: The qualifying window for the 2016 Boston Marathon opened on September 13, 2014 and registration will likely begin September 2015. Once the field fills up, the BAA will then open the qualifying window for the 2017 Boston Marathon.<\/em><\/p>\n

The following races, listed by date starting in mid-September, were selected for their national reputations as fast, flat courses with high percentages of BQ times.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Advocate
Photo: Advocate Dreyer Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.\u00a0Advocate Dreyer Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Geneva, IL
\nDate: <\/strong>September 12, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>61%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>This small race may be one of the last (and best!) opportunities for runners still hoping to qualify for 2016. It\u2019s got BQing down to a science and treats its 300 participants like elites on the pancake-flat, eight loop course with 16 aid stations. There are even Boston Marathon registration kiosks waiting for you at the finish line!<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>5 Running Tweaks That Took an Hour Off My Marathon Time<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Revel
Photo: Revel Big Cottonwood<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Salt Lake City, UT
\nDate: <\/strong>September 12, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>20%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>The stunning scenery of the Wasatch Mountain canyons and the foothills of Salt Lake City are the perfect backdrop for a speedy BQ. Because the downhill course, featuring multiple switchbacks, has a 5,278-foot elevation drop, runners who are used to sea-level running should barely notice any of the altitude effects usually associated with mountain runs.<\/p>\n

\"Erie
Photo: Erie Marathon \/\u00a0Todd Van Hoeser<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3.\u00a0Erie Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Erie, PA
\nDate:<\/strong> September 13, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>33%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>This is another popular marathon packed with BQ hopefuls. Around 2,500 of them will head to the lakeshore city for a flat, two-loop course through Presque Isle State Park. The race offers few surprises, with gentle curves and little wind. And because of its mid-September date, a BQ in Erie might give you a qualifying time that\u2019s good for two years.<\/p>\n

\"Leigh
Photo: Leigh Valley Via Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Allentown, PA
\nDate: <\/strong>September 13, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014):<\/strong> 24%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>Head to rural Lehigh Valley for the third fastest race in the country<\/a>, with an average finish time of 3:54:24. Designed by Bart Yasso<\/a> of Runner\u2019s World, this super flat, fast course is strategic. Each year, 2,500 runners take advantage of the shady stretches, cinder trails and the net elevation drop of 240 feet.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 30 Best Marathons in the Entire World<\/a><\/p>\n

\"St.
Photo: St Georges Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5.\u00a0<\/b>St. George Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>St. George, UT
\nDate: <\/strong>October 3, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>18%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>While it\u2019s often touted for its dreamy scenery and unparalleled\u00a0race day logistics<\/a>, this small southwestern marathon (less than 1,000 finishers) is also acclaimed for its speed. The point-to-point course near the Arizona border gives you a natural turbo charge as you descend nearly 2,600 feet among the red rocks.<\/p>\n

\"Medtronic
Photo:\u00a0Twin Cities in Motion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Minneapolis, MN
\nDate: <\/strong>October 4, 2015|
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>13% (2014)
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>This popular race is the ninth largest in the country and is the self-proclaimed \u201cmost beautiful urban marathon in America.\u201d The vibrant course along the Mississippi\u2019s riverbanks from Minneapolis to St. Paul, the 300,000 supportive spectators and the early fall weather set the scene for ideal racing conditions year after year.<\/p>\n

\"Wineglass
Photo: A.D. Wheeler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.\u00a0Wineglass Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Corning, NY
\nDate: <\/strong>October 4, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>15%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>It\u2019s one of our favorite\u00a0fall marathons<\/a> and often makes other\u00a0top marathon<\/a>\u00a0lists\u00a0for good reason. There are few flat, fast countryside courses as picturesque as this point-to-point race in the Finger Lakes during the peak of leaf-peeping season. The one-of-a-kind glass medals given to the 2,000 finishers don\u2019t hurt, either.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago
Photo: Bank of America Chicago Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8.<\/strong> Bank of America Chicago Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Chicago, IL
\nDate: <\/strong>October 11, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>10%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>Clocking in at 45,000 runners, Chi-Town hosts the second largest and one of the most renowned marathons<\/a>\u00a0in the world. See where the Windy City can take you on the flat course that runs through 29 diverse neighborhoods. The field is deep and the support from 1.7 million cheering spectators is thick \u2014 just like the city\u2019s signature pizza.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>10 Lessons Learned While Running 100 Marathons<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mohawk
Photo: Mohawk Hudson Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.\u00a0Mohawk Hudson River Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Schenectady, NY
\nDate: <\/strong>October 11, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>23%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>With nearly a quarter of the field earning a BQ, this simple, small-town race knows what it\u2019s doing \u2014 without any extra hoopla. This flat, downhill (370-foot drop) course might be just what you need to hit your magic time. The scenic bike paths and city streets along the beautiful Mohawk and Hudson Rivers are just an added bonus.<\/p>\n

\"Steamtown
Photo: runphotos.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10.\u00a0Steamtown Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Scranton, PA
\nDate:<\/strong> October 11, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>20%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>Celebrating its 20th year, this race is a classic favorite<\/a> among BQ strivers. But even with a net elevation loss of 955 feet, it\u2019s a challenging course for its 3,000 runners, due to the (cruel) timing of a few hills just before the finish. On the upside, two scenic miles on the Lackawanna River\u2019s dirt trails will be a welcome respite for your tired legs.<\/p>\n

\"Ashworth
Photo: Ashworth Awards Baystate Marathon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11.\u00a0Ashworth Awards Baystate Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Lowell, MA
\nDate:<\/strong> October 18, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): 25%
\n<\/strong>What makes it so fast: <\/strong>With an average finish time of 3:53:05, this \u201cfor runners, by runners\u201d race just earned the\u00a0number two spot<\/a>\u00a0for fastest marathon in the country. Its no-frills mission: To help you BQ. However, its double loop \u2018round the Merrimack River has a few turns and rolling hills to keep you on your toes.<\/p>\n

\"Indianapolis
Photo: Indianapolis Monumental Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12.\u00a0Indianapolis Monumental Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Indianapolis, IN
\nDate: <\/strong>November 7, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>16%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>Forget the Indy 500! There\u2019s another high-speed race taking over Indianapolis. Join 4,000 racers in exploring the city\u2019s biggest highlights along the loop course. Local fans will push you past the Indiana State Capitol, Lucas Oil Stadium and the famous Indianapolis Museum of Art as on your way to the finish.<\/p>\n

\"Anthem
Photo: Sports Backers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13.\u00a0Anthem Richmond Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Richmond, VA
\nDate:<\/strong> November 14, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>10%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>How did this riverside race earn the nickname of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Friendliest Marathon?\u201d Maybe it\u2019s the high-energy bands and party zones. Or maybe it\u2019s the junk food stations at mile 16 and 22, stocked with Gummy Bears, cookies and soda! Either way, the course is downhill to the finish line (where pizza and beer await), making it a fast and<\/em> fun<\/a>\u00a0marathon.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 20 Most Inspiring Runners in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Philadelphia
Photo: GORE-TEX Philadelphia Marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14.\u00a0GORE-TEX Philadelphia Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Philadelphia, PA
\nDate:<\/strong> November 22, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>13%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>With an epic starting line soundtrack<\/a>, the City of Brotherly Love sends more than 10,000 runners through America\u2019s most historic streets. You\u2019ll head over flat roads along two rivers, and back<\/a> to the Philadelphia Art Museums steps for a memorable finish. It\u2019s the country\u2019s eighth largest race, and one of the loudest thanks to its enthusiastic crowds.<\/p>\n

\"California
Photo: runsra.org; Sean Dulany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15.\u00a0California International Marathon<\/a><\/h3>\n

Location: <\/strong>Sacramento, CA
\nDate:<\/strong> December 6, 2015
\nPercentage of runners who BQ (2014): <\/strong>23%
\nWhat makes it so fast: <\/strong>If you missed a BQ earlier in the season, look to this late fall race (\u201cthe fastest in the west\u201d) to give it one more try before winter. With pace teams for every Boston qualifying standard, superb organization, cool temps, 50,000 fans, and a 340-foot net drop, this rolling hill marathon sets its 6,200 runners up for a BQ success story.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To gain your entry into the Boston Marathon, look to these top BQ-friendly fall races known for their flat and fast courses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":41053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[104,111,110,108,341,357],"class_list":["post-40993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-goals","tag-marathon","tag-race","tag-running","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2running"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40993\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}