News Article by MarathonGuide.com Staff

Runners Race in Bakersfield to Qualify for Boston

April 10, 2024

• Bakersfield Marathon Highlights: Over 2,000 runners participated in the 2024 Bakersfield Marathon, some with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon
  
  
• Qualifying for the Boston Marathon: Find out what it takes to qualify for the Boston Marathon
  
  
• Marathon Mental Toughness Tips: Uncover 3 strategies to mentally prepare for your next marathon

On April 7th, 2024 more than 2,000 runners ran the Bakersfield Marathon, some in hopes of qualifying for next year’s Boston Marathon. The Bakersfield Marathon starts and ends at the Kern County Museum. Runners ran a route that included Bakersfield's iconic landmarks and historical sites. The running event caters to a diverse range of participants, offering a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and a 6K race.

Top Male Finishers:

1. T.J. Hodges (Gilbert, Arizona) - 2:41:24
2. Kevin Cicchini (Oak Park, California) - 2:44:45
3. Drew Tomajczyk of Williams, Arizona - 2:50:58

Top Female Finishers:

1. Shuying Wu (Diamond Bar, California) - 3:34:22
2. Josephine Trillo (Tehachapi California) - 3:42:02
3. Amelia Diaz (Gardena, California) - 3:47:17

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is a significant achievement for many runners, marking the pinnacle of their marathon journey. The window to qualify for the 129th Boston Marathon, set forApril 21, 2025, started on September 1, 2023. Registration details will be available after the 2024 Boston Marathon, taking place on April 15th, 2024.

The qualifying times for the Boston Marathon are based upon each athlete's age on the date of the following year’s Boston Marathon (April 15, 2024). Click here to see the current qualifying standards by age group.

Simply achieving the qualifying standard for the Boston Marathon doesn't guarantee entry. For the 2024 Boston Marathon, 11,039 qualifiers were not accepted due to limited space. Even if you qualify, you must still submit an application. Occasionally, not all qualifiers are accepted dueto the high volume of applicants. In such instances, priority is given to the fastest qualifiers from each age and gender group.

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon is no easy feat, adding another level of difficulty to the already challenging task of finishing a marathon. Juggling the mental and physical demands of marathon running while aiming to meet strict qualifying standards is even more difficult.

To run your best marathon, mental preparation is essential, regardless of how much experience you have. Even experienced runners face substantial mental obstacles during the demanding 26.2-mile race. It's crucial to have a mental plan in place to combat any negative thoughts that may come up for you.

Here are 3 tips to help you mentally prepare for next marathon:

Tip #1: Create a Mental Strategy

• Break the race into manageable segments.
• Focus on enjoying the first half, maintaining rhythm from miles 13 to 20, and using an action plan for mile 20 onwards.

Tip #2: Stay Positive and Motivated

• Use positive affirmations and visualization techniques.
• Remind yourself of past accomplishments and the temporary nature of discomfort.

Tip #3: Embrace Resilience and Determination

• Recognize marathon running as a mental battle
• Tap into your inner resilience and determination, using techniques like positive self-talk and focusing on smaller goals.

Breaking down the marathon into smaller, more doable sections and staying positive with visualization and affirmations will give you confidence on race day. By embracing the mental battle as part of your marathon journey, you’ll be able to push through challenging moments andposition yourself to achieve your goals.