For the first time in thirteen 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 and reflect the B.A.A.'s ability and desire 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).

Also new for the 107th Boston Marathon, to be held on April 21, 2003 and with John Hancock Financial Services as the principal sponsor for the 18th year, the maximum field size will be increased to 20,000 athletes. The Boston Marathon was limited to 15,000 participants in 2001 and 2002.

To qualify for the 107th Boston Marathon, 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.

2003 Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards

Age Group       Men        ...     Women      ...  Adjustment
18-34   ...  3 hrs 10 min  ...  3 hrs 40 min  ...    --
35-39   ...  3 hrs 15 min  ...  3 hrs 45 min  ...    --
40-44   ...  3 hrs 20 min  ...  3 hrs 50 min  ...    --
45-49   ...  3 hrs 30 min  ...  4 hrs 00 min  ...  + 5 min
50-54   ...  3 hrs 35 min  ...  4 hrs 05 min  ...  + 5 min
55-59   ...  3 hrs 45 min  ...  4 hrs 15 min  ...  + 10 min
60-64   ...  4 hrs 00 min  ...  4 hrs 30 min  ...  + 20 min
65-69   ...  4 hrs 15 min  ...  4 hrs 45 min  ...  + 30 min
70-74   ...  4 hrs 30 min  ...  5 hrs 00 min  ...  + 40 min
75-79   ...  4 hrs 45 min  ...  5 hrs 15 min  ...  + 55 min
80+     ...  5 hrs 00 min  ...  5 hrs 30 min  ...  + 70 min

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 race web site.

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

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 B.A.A. 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.

Participants in this year's Boston Marathon, held April 15, 2002, will be among the first informed of the new qualifying times when they receive their Official Racers Record Book early next week.

For additional information, visit www.baa.org.