How can they do this to me? Just when I think I’m positive I don’t want to do any Ironman races or Marathons next year, I get this email. Now that just gives me something to think about.
2008 Boston Marathon Registration to Openon Wednesday, September 5Boston, Mass. – Online registration for the 112th Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 21, 2008, will begin at 9:00 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday, September 5.
Held on Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts holiday, Boston is the world’s oldest annual marathon. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services.In coordination with the launch of registration for next year’s race, the B.A.A. has announced that the maximum field size for 2008 has been set at 25,000 entrants. 23,869 runners entered the 2007 Boston Marathon.
To qualify for the 112th Boston Marathon, runners must meet the designated time standard for their age group. Qualifying times must be run on or after September 23, 2006 at a certified marathon. Qualifying standards may be viewed atwww.baa.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp.
Seeding of the race is based on qualifying times, which are subject to review and verification.In addition to online registration, runners may download a PDF application at www.baa.org, or request a hard-copy application by emailing registration@baa.org. Entries will be accepted until the maximum field size of 25,000 athletes has been reached.
The 2008 Boston Marathon will once again feature a two-wave start, with Wave One beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by Wave Two at 10:30 a.m.Adding to the festivities during Boston Marathon weekend this year will be the U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women’s Marathon, which will take place in downtown Boston and Cambridge on Sunday, April 20 at 8:00 a.m. The top three finishers in that event will represent the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
