There is no "official" racewalk division in the Boston Marathon and there are no racewalk judges on the course. Racewalk competitors, in the Boston Marathon, are expected to adhere to the racewalk rules, but the rules are not enforced. There are three ways to enter the 2000 Boston Marathon (Monday, April 17, 2000–12 Noon.) a) Run a fast marathon b) Run for charitable organization c) Be a member of a local contributing USATF-New England club I've described each method below. a) Run a fast marathon ------------------- To qualify for the 2000 marathon, participants must run a qualifying time between October 1, 1998 and March 1, 2000 at a certified marathon. All participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the B.A.A., USA Track and Field or foreign equivalent, Wheelchair Athletics USA, and the International Stoke-Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation. Qualifying times must be met in competitions observing these same rules. Proof of qualification, such as a copy of your finish certificate or results listing, must accompany the application. Participants must be 18 years or older on race day. Here are the qualifying standards: B.A.A. BOSTON MARATHON CURRENT QUALIFYING TIMES AGE GROUP MEN WOMEN 18-34 3 hours 10 minutes 3 hours 40 minutes 35-39 3 hours 15 minutes 3 hours 45 minutes 40-44 3 hours 20 minutes 3 hours 50 minutes 45-49 3 hours 25 minutes 3 hours 55 minutes 50-54 3 hours 30 minutes 4 hours 00 minutes 55-59 3 hours 35 minutes 4 hours 05 minutes 60-64 3 hours 40 minutes 4 hours 10 minutes 65-69 3 hours 45 minutes 4 hours 15 minutes 70 & over 3 hours 50 minutes 4 hours 20 minutes WHEELCHAIR MEN WOMEN Open (class 3-4) 2 hours 10 minutes 2 hours 35 minutes Quad (class 1-2) 3 hours 00 minutes 3 hours 10 minutes b) Run for charitable organization ------------------------------- The Boston Marathon Charity Program enables charitable organizations to raise millions of dollars for worthwhile causes. In 1998, more than 1,000 participants, representing 15 charities, raised over $3 million. The Charity Program for the 2000 Boston Marathon will not be available until September of 1999. c) Be a member of a local contributing USATF-New England club ---------------------------------------------------------- The Boston Athletic Association, has, in the past, provided a few "time-waived" (pre-qualified) entries to the regional clubs of the USA Track & Field, that have supported USATF in the New England area and supply volunteers for a variety of events including the Boston Marathon. Our club, the New England Walkers, was given few pre-qualified entries. I distribute the entries to New England Walker club members first and then to other racewalkers who have demonstrated their seriousness and ability to complete the Boston Marathon in a "reasonable time." If you're interested in competing in the Boston Marathon in 2000, drop me a note and remind me again in November & December and I will add your name to the list of interested racewalkers. Hope this helps. -- Justin