Why the Boston Marathon?
If you’re a marathon runner, you’ve likely dreamt of toeing the start line in Hopkinton. The Boston Marathon isn’t just another race, it’s the oldest annual marathon in the world and, arguably, the most prestigious. Especially to obtain a Boston Qualifier to get entry to the race. It holds a somewhat mythical status among runners, with its challenging course, electric atmosphere, and rich tradition that dates back to 1897.
As a running coach, I often hear runners talk about their “BQ” (Boston Qualifier) dreams and what time they need for their age group to get in. It’s more than just a time goal; it’s like a badge of honour. For many, qualifying for and running Boston symbolises years of consistency, discipline, and belief.
My Boston Marathon Experience
This year, I had the privilege of running Boston—a race that had been on my bucket list as the next Major I wanted to complete since 2019. Unfortunately, some virus back in 2020 put a stop to that…
Living and training in Dubai presented its own challenges. Even though I trained through the cooler winter months, the lack of hills and elevation to prepare for Boston’s famously undulating course meant I was somewhat short in that area, but I’m not sure anything quite prepares you for the hills of Newton or the deafening roar at Wellesley. My marathon training block had been good, not quite perfect and there’s areas I know I still need to improve if I want to progress; but, I’d ran a 70min half at RAK in the build and averaged 110km per week with a lot of 32-35km long runs in there – so confidence going into the marathon was 100% there.
I flew to Boston on the Friday before the marathon on Monday; 14 hour flight and an 8 hour time difference lined up the next challenge to overcome, jetlag.
However, I’d combatted this through attempting to adjust to the timezone in Boston ahead of time; which meant getting as much sleep as possible as soon as I was on the plane and then waking at what would have been between 5-6am in Boston – this was easier than I expected,
In the days leading up to the race, the atmosphere in the city was buzzing. Newbury and Boylston Streets were packed with runners, pop-up shops, shakeout runs, and the hustle of the race expo. It felt as though that part of Boston was on lockdown for the sole purpose of letting the global running community take over. You could sense the importance of the event in every conversation, every storefront, and every shared glance between nervous but excited athletes.
Race morning was electric. Dropping your kit bag off to be stored on yellow school buses near the finish line before boarding another school bus to be driven out to Hopkinton was all part of the experience. The nervous buzz at the athlete village in Hopkinton, the patriotism woven through every detail, and the sheer number of passionate spectators lining the entire 26.2 miles—Boston is a city that truly lives for this day.
The course is deceptively tough, with the first 10km very much downhill, which definitely lulls you into a false sense of ‘this feels way too easy’. Boston is noisy, the towns of Ashland, Framingham and Natick are partying, with spectators lining the streets most of the way, arms outstretched for high-fives, waving witty signs.
By the halfway point, you hit something unforgettable: Wellesley’s famous ‘Scream Tunnel’. It’s an annual tradition dating back to the race’s early days. Thousands of students line the route, shouting encouragement, holding handmade signs, and offering kisses. For a first-timer like me, the energy and sheer volume were unreal—it lifts you in ways you’d never expect.
But then the real test comes between miles 16 to 21, with the infamous Heartbreak Hill. Getting to the top of that climb and knowing you’re headed downhill into Boston for the final few miles was quite emotional.
And then before I know it, I’m making the right turn onto Hereford Street before that famous left-hand turn onto Boylston to get my first glimpse of the finish line. The only thing going through my mind then was pure elation that I was about to finish the Boston Marathon and how grateful I was.
How to Qualify for the Boston Marathon
To qualify for Boston, you need to run a certified marathon within a set time based on your age and gender. But hitting your BQ time doesn’t guarantee entry; you often need a buffer (in recent years, between 1-7 minutes faster than your official standard).
Qualification standards have become quicker over the years, and continue to do so for the 2026 Boston Marathon: if you are in the age group 18-34, men need to run sub-2:55 and women sub-3:25—though likely even faster to secure that spot.
(Full chart available on the Boston Athletic Association website)
Alternatively, runners can also gain entry via charity bibs, though these come with fundraising minimums (typically around $5,000 USD) or with certain tour operators, also at a higher cost.
If you’re unsure where to start, working with a running coach can help structure your training in a way that builds you up gradually and sustainably towards your BQ goal.
Training for Boston
Training in the UAE means dealing with heat most of the year. Still, it’s possible to prepare well for Boston. In fact, some of my hardest long runs in Dubai gave me the mental resilience I needed for the Newton hills.
Top training tips for Boston:
- Run early or late to beat the heat
- Focus on hydration and electrolytes
- Dial in your fuelling before, during, and after runs
- Use locations like Hatta or Jebel Jais for hill training
- Strength and mobility work is key for injury prevention
No matter where you’re based, training can be tailored to your environment and goals.
Daniel Bagley | Running Coach 
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