Boston Qualifier (BQ)
[boss-tuhn kwah-luh-fahy-er]
/ˈbɔstən kwəˈlɪfaɪər/
Noun
A Boston Qualifier (BQ) is a marathon finishing time that meets or exceeds the qualifying standard for entry into the Boston Marathon, based on age and gender.
A Boston Qualifier (BQ) is a marathon time standard that runners must meet to qualify for the Boston Marathon. These standards vary by age and gender, with faster times required for younger runners. Achieving a BQ is a prestigious goal for many marathoners, symbolizing a high level of endurance and speed. For example, a 35-year-old male might need to run a marathon in under 3 hours and 5 minutes. BQ times motivate runners to improve their performance through structured training and discipline, and they are often seen as a benchmark of serious running achievement.