That's right. For those who don't know it (and there are probably few in the running community who don't) if you intend to run the 2016 Boston Marathon, which will be held on April 18, 2016, you must register NOW.
So, if you haven't run a qualifying time yet, you're out of luck for Boston 2016.
Registration qualifications are stringent, and they should be.
It seems as though there are marathons everywhere these days. Some are well-organized, classy events. Others are not. A close friend of mine trained very hard for a marathon that shall remained unnamed, only to find out after the race that the course was a half mile SHORT of the marathon distance.
Boston is the World Series, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Masters of the running world. It is the oldest marathon on the planet, and, arguably the most prestigious. Having running 16 Boston Marathons, I can tell you that no other city, and no other marathon spectators are more knowledgeable or respectful toward runners.
The Boston Marathon is very traditional.
For years, race organizers refused to offer money. The traditional noon starting time, finally, after protests from the running community, was pushed back to 10:00 a.m.
And, despite the fact that television and advertisers would love to run the race on Sunday, the Boston Marathon will always be held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April.
So, to all the readers of this blog around the world, if you have qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon, I salute you and wish you good training, but more importantly, good health, in the months leading up to this magnificent race.
It takes a dedicated, special runner to qualify for Boston, and, if you have, you are to be commended and you should be very proud.
If you haven't yet qualified, you owe it to yourself to earn a spot at the Boston Marathon. I promise you, it will be an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
So, please, from wherever you are reading this blog, let me know if you have qualified for Boston 2016. Contact me here or at my email: runnr@hotmail. You will, I promise, receive a shout-out in this blog, because you deserve it. Send me your name and your hometown, and we can assemble our Boston All-Star team.
Following is a list of runners from near my hometown who have earned a place at the 2016 Boston Marathon.
Father Chris Zelonis-A Roman Catholic priest, who I featured in the chapter entitled 'Extraordinary,' in my latest book, Personal Best. www.muldowneyrunning.com His running journey has truly been extraordinary. He will be running his first Boston Marathon.
Mary Bosack-A Boston Marathon veteran, Mary will return in 2016.
Sam Kantner-A college student at Penn State University. A dedicated young runner who will participate in his first Boston Marathon
Mike Carriglitto-His fifth Boston Marathon, Mike is an accomplished runner at all race distances.
Wayne Parfitt-Wayne and I ran the 1984 Boston Marathon together, and he clocked a time in the 2:30s. Now, after a 32 year hiatus, he'll be back.
Justin O'Brien-After a successful post-collegiate career in road racing at all distances, Justin recently qualified with a time of 2:45.
Congratulations to all.
Let's make this list grow.
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