2011 Boston Marathon Registration

[kim3339]

I went on the Boston Marathon website this morning; just to look around, not register, and it is already sold out!!! Registration opened yesterday morning at 9am and the website said that the race was full and closed regsitration at 5:03pm. I can't believe it sold out so fast!!! Hope everyone who wants/ed to run was able to register yesterday.

 

[FireDancer]

I went on the Boston Marathon website this morning; just to look around, not register, and it is already sold out!!! Registration opened yesterday morning at 9am and the website said that the race was full and closed regsitration at 5:03pm. I can't believe it sold out so fast!!! Hope everyone who wants/ed to run was able to register yesterday.

I'm sure anyone who has qualified was online at midnight to try and get in so it doesn't really surprise me. I need a 3:10 before I qualify which will probably not happen this time. I'm aiming for a sub 3:30 and anything lower is just a bonus. I'd love to surprise myself with a BQ but I doubt it will happen.

 

[SAHDad]

I think I read that registration opened at 9 am eastern yesterday, and by 6 pm, all the slots were full. My guess is that it means the times will get tougher - so instad of a 3:15, I will need a 3:05 or something for 2012.

 

[geaux_half]

I think I read that registration opened at 9 am eastern yesterday, and by 6 pm, all the slots were full. My guess is that it means the times will get tougher - so instad of a 3:15, I will need a 3:05 or something for 2012.

I think you're right SAHDad. From the Baa.org FAQ thread:

Will the B.A.A. make any adjustments to the Boston Marathon qualifying procedure?

A: The B.A.A. annually addresses the qualifying procedure by which runners gain entry into the Boston Marathon. With such popularity for the event, qualifying standards for future Boston Marathons are under review.

 

[FFigawi]

Given the article in the WSJ this week about how the women's times have remained so far behind the men's ones for so long, I wouldn't be surprised to see them adjust those first.

 

[VernRDH]

MANY people are up in arms about it selling out so fast. Some folks haven't even run their qualifying race yet (coming up, like NYC) and can't get in this year and may not get in next year if they change the qualifying times.

There are about 10% of the spots (around 2700 or so) that are held back for charity runners. Charity runners DO NOT HAVE TO QUALIFY. They do, however, have to raise at least $3250 to gain entry. I personally think that anyone who runs Boston should have to qualify, whether or not you are running to support a charity.

I agree that probably the first adjustment will be made to the womens times, since more women are running than ever before. And running faster. I have no problem with that, as Boston is supposed to be the "ultimate" marathon.

I may never BQ in my life, shucks I haven't even run my first full marathon yet. But hopefully they can work things out to continue to make it a fabulous event.

 

[fashionista311]

don't forget about the slots that the corporate sponsors get as well...they don't have to qualify as well. as up in arms as everyone gets about these people not participating, i can almost guarantee you that the baa will never get rid of those at this point in the race's history...too much $$ involved for all parties.

we'll see what happens. i personally hope they don't tighten the standards too much. part of the allure is that the goals are somewhat attainable for the every man..running boston is the closest that nearly all marathoners will ever get to the olympics.

 

[jmasgat]

I was online at 9:01. Ran into the same problem everyone else had---fill out the reistration form and hit "submit" and then....nothing! Finally got it to work at 10:30 or so. So pending qualifying time verification, I'm in!

And I expect changes for next year too. I read the WSJ article suggesting they use age graded results. That sounds fair. Also, it is currently technically possible to use one qualifying time to get into 2 successive years races. Seems like they could modify that.

Anyway, I had 12:30 minutes to spare with my BQ time, so I feel like I earned my entry.

Maura

 

[FFigawi]

I was online at 9:01. Ran into the same problem everyone else had---fill out the reistration form and hit "submit" and then....nothing! Finally got it to work at 10:30 or so. So pending qualifying time verification, I'm in!

And I expect changes for next year too. I read the WSJ article suggesting they use age graded results. That sounds fair. Also, it is currently technically possible to use one qualifying time to get into 2 successive years races. Seems like they could modify that.

Anyway, I had 12:30 minutes to spare with my BQ time, so I feel like I earned my entry.

Maura

Congrats Maura! That's awesome!

 

[DianeL]

Maura OMG! Thank Goodness!!!!! I saw the thread title and couldn't breath till I saw you got thru. Whew!

That totally sucks for those that have yet to run the race they planned on using as their qualifier. Bummed for them.

 

[poppinspal]

Just wondering if anyone has ever volunteered at the race and if they enjoyed it? I live not to far from the city and have been considering it.

 

[FFigawi]

Just wondering if anyone has ever volunteered at the race and if they enjoyed it? I live not to far from the city and have been considering it.

I think volunteering for any race, especially a big one like Boston, is definitely something people should do if they've got the time. Without other people volunteering to hand us water and Powerade during our races, we'd have a tough time finishing them. The least we can all do is give back some. I'm really looking forward to volunteering at the inaugural Ironman here in Houston next spring. Even though I run marathons and ultras, those guys still amaze me and I can't wait to be a part of it.

Okay, now that I'm off my soapbox, I think Boston would be a great race to volunteer for. You'll see some of the fastest marathoners in the world and be part of one of the most famous races there is.

 

[jmasgat]

Megan My daughter, and some of her college running team, has volunteered in the past. She worked the expo. She had fun, and she got a nice volunteer jacket out of it.

Maura

 

[poppinspal]

John- I completely agree with you. I've run a large number of races this year and I have told myself that I will spend the next year volunteering as much as I can. I know that I'm always appreciative of the people who help out at races I run. I suppose if I'm going to start volunteering Boston would be a fun race to start out with!

Maura- Thanks, I'm glad your daughter had fun doing it. I think I'm going to just go for it. I've spent enough time just being a spectator at the Boston Marathon. And congrats on getting an entry! The quick closing of the race has been news here, that's for sure.

 

[jmasgat]

Megan Thanks for the congrats....good thing I can stay at my mother's (my old) home (Danvers), since the hotels are already booked!

 

[johde]

Congratulation Maura on getting registered for Boston.

 

[poppinspal]

Maura- If I end up volunteering we should meet up! Either way I'm going to hope for good weather for you for that weekend. That time of year(as you know) can be very weird weather wise.

 

[Kristi1357]

Way to go, Maura!!