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Guaranteed Entry Standards FAQ
The CIM implemented guaranteed entry standards for the first time in 2011 and will continue the process in 2012. Below are some relevant questions and answers about the guaranteed entry standards.
For additional marathon entry information, be sure to visit the marathon entry page linked below.
Why has the CIM added entry standards?
Due to the CIM’s fast course, great running weather and quality management, each year many runners enter the CIM seeking a personal best time, a Boston Marathon qualifier, or an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. Our entries are filling earlier and earlier each year, and we want to ensure that these runners have the chance to achieve their goals at the CIM. We also want to allow them to enter without impacting the ability of first-time and fitness runners to enter.
How will this be accomplished?
Everyone has the same chance to enter as they had last year: there are 8,000 entries set aside for all runners, and entries will close when that entry cap is achieved, or by September 30, whichever comes first.
Then, from October 1 through October 15, the entrants who have achieved the standards listed below will be allowed to enter.
What if the CIM achieves its entry cap of 8,000 well before October 1?
The Standard Achievers entry window will still be from October 1 until October 15.
What is the registration fee during the guaranteed entry standard window?
The Standard Achievers registration fee between October 1 and October 15 is $130.
The two-week window for these runners to enter seems trivial. Who cares?
Race management has looked at many options in order to be completely fair to runners of all abilities. Management has agreed that it is not fair to institute a lottery where everyone’s chance to enter is based on luck. Equally unfair is setting an earlier deadline, which means that entries are based on who has the fastest computer or the best Internet connection. And believe us – if you are one of those runners looking for a Boston Marathon qualifier or an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and have been shut out of other marathons just when you feel you are ready to make that standard, the two week window to enter the CIM will be most welcome.
How were the Guaranteed Entry Standards below determined?
These times are 5 minutes slower than the 2011 Boston Marathon qualifying standards. Although the Boston Marathon standards are subject to many changes, we sincerely hope a CIM Standard Achiever is ready for the next step: to run the CIM and finish with their Boston Marathon qualifier.
| Age | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 3 hrs 15 min | 3 hrs 45 min |
| 35-39 | 3 hrs 20 min | 3 hrs 50 min |
| 40-44 | 3 hrs 25 min | 3 hrs 55 min |
| 45-49 | 3 hrs 35 min | 4 hrs 05 min |
| 50-54 | 3 hrs 40 min | 4 hrs 10 min |
| 55-59 | 3 hrs 50 min | 4 hrs 20 min |
| 60-64 | 4 hrs 05 min | 4 hrs 35 min |
| 65-69 | 4 hrs 20 min | 4 hrs 50 min |
| 70-74 | 4 hrs 35 min | 5 hrs 05 min |
| 75-79 | 4 hrs 50 min | 5 hrs 20 min |
| 80 over | 5 hrs 05 min | 5 hrs 35 min |
- Entry standard must have been achieved within 24 months of this year's CIM.
- You may add 59 seconds to the times described above.
- Standard Achievers’ times will be verified by CIM Staff.
- Chip times are accepted.
- System uses registrant's age on race day
