Marathons That Qualify For Boston - As someone who barely passed high school gym class, the idea of running a marathon seems impossible. But apparently, if you suck it up and push yourself, you can qualify for the Boston Marathon. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to brag about that? I did some research on the best marathons to run if you want to make it to Boston, and let me tell you, it's a lot of work. But hey, nothing worth having comes easy, right? Here are my top picks:
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Why It's Great:
First of all, who wouldn't want to run a marathon with a name like the Flying Pig? But all jokes aside, this course is actually pretty challenging, which means if you're able to complete it in the allotted time, you're probably in good enough shape to qualify for Boston. Plus, the locals are apparently super supportive, which is a huge bonus when you're struggling to put one foot in front of the other.
How To Prep:
One of the unique things about this race is that it's held on the first Sunday of May, which means you have to train during the winter months. That being said, it's important to invest in some quality cold-weather running gear, like hats and gloves, to protect your body from the elements. And of course, make sure you're gradually increasing your mileage as you train!
Steamtown Marathon
Why It's Great:
For starters, the course is all downhill, which sounds like a dream come true until you realize it can be just as challenging as a hilly course. But if you're up for the challenge, this marathon is known for being a Boston qualifier. The scenery is also supposed to be gorgeous, with lots of fall foliage, so if you're into that sort of thing, this could be the marathon for you.
How To Prep:
Although the course is downhill, you still need to train properly to avoid injury. Make sure you're incorporating strength training and cross-training into your routine, and don't forget to stretch! And since the marathon is held in October, it's important to prepare for colder weather. Overall, just make sure you're training consistently and smartly!
Mohawk Hudson River Marathon
Why It's Great:
This marathon is held in upstate New York, which means you'll get to experience the beauty of the Hudson River and the surrounding area. The course is flat, which is always a plus, and since it's held in October, you won't have to train in the dead of winter like you would for the Flying Pig. The race is also capped at a reasonable number of participants, which means you won't be fighting crowds throughout the entire course.
How To Prep:
Since the course is flat, you should focus on building your endurance and speed during training. Incorporate interval training and tempo runs into your workouts, and make sure you're using proper form to avoid injury. And of course, make sure you're incorporating rest days into your routine to give your body time to recover!
Baystate Marathon
Why It's Great:
This marathon is held in Lowell, Massachusetts, which means you'll be running on the same type of terrain as the Boston Marathon. The course is flat and fast, which means you'll have a good chance of meeting the Boston qualifying time if you train properly. Plus, the race is put on by the Greater Lowell Road Runners, a local running club that's known for being super supportive.
How To Prep:
The course is flat, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Make sure you're incorporating speed workouts and hill training into your routine, and focus on building your endurance in the weeks leading up to the race. And since the race is held in October, it's important to train in similar weather conditions to ensure your body is prepared for race day!
Boston Athletic Association's Half Marathon
Why It's Great:
Okay, so technically this is a half marathon, but it's still worth considering if you're really serious about qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The biggest perk of this race is that it's organized by the same people who put on the Boston Marathon, which means the course is designed to mimic the famous marathon as closely as possible. Plus, it's a great opportunity to see how you handle a race in Boston before committing to the full marathon.
How To Prep:
Since this is a half marathon, you can focus more on building speed than endurance in your training. Incorporate tempo runs and speed work into your routine, and make sure you're practicing good form to avoid injury. And of course, make sure you're fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my top picks for marathons that qualify for Boston. Of course, there are plenty of other races out there that could help you earn a spot in the Boston Marathon, but these are just a few that have caught my eye. Remember, the most important thing is to train consistently and listen to your body throughout the process. And if you do end up qualifying for Boston, don't forget to celebrate your hard work and success!
