For me, there have not been many things that made me feel more like a runner than running up Heartbreak Hill on Patriots Day.

If you’re like many runners who aspire to qualify and run the Boston Marathon, you might want to pick up the pace. This is straight off the historic race’s Web site:
“Registration is underway. If you have met the qualifying standards and intend to enter the race, the Boston Athletic Association urges you to register now and not wait as registration is on pace to reach its maximum field size earlier than ever before.”
If you’re looking for a challenge or need a goal, qualifiying for Boston is a tough, but attainable goal for many runners to set. In case you’re wondering, here are the qualifying times for each age group:
18-34: 3:10 for men; 3:40 for women
35-39: 3:15 for men; 3:45 for women
40-44: 3:20 for men; 3:50 for women
45-49: 3:30 for men; 4 hours for women
50-54: 3:35 for men; 4:05 for women
55-59: 3:45 for men; 4:15 for women
60-64: 4 hours for men; 4:30 for women
65-69: 4:15 for men; 4:45 for women
70-74: 4:30 for men; 5 hours for women
75-79: 4:45 for men; 5:15 for women
80 and older: 5 hours for men; 5:30 for women