In a story titled "Boston Marathon Cutoff Time Announced: Entrants Must Have Run 4:34 Faster Than Qualifying Mark" published Tuesday, it was reported that "Nearly 9,000 runners who ran qualifying times were not accepted to the race."
In the first year after quickening the qualifying standards, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced that to gain entry into the 2026 Boston Marathon, participants had to run four minutes and 34 seconds faster than the qualifying times for their gender and age group. The organization said in a press release on Tuesday that it received 33,249 total applications and 24,362 were accepted, meaning that 8,887 qualifiers did not receive entry into the race. The field is limited to 30,000 runners and the rest of the race will be filled out by runners raising money for charity, sponsors, and invited athletes.
The 4:34 “cutoff time” is the smallest since 2018, when the cutoff was 3:23. Last year, registrants had to run 6:51 faster than their respective qualifying times—the largest in a non-pandemic year. “The sport of marathoning is gaining momentum world-wide, and we recognize the dedication it takes to qualify and earn a spot on the starting line for the Boston Marathon,” said Jack Fleming, the president and CEO of the B.A.A., in a statement. “Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept all applicants into the event, but we do want to applaud all who train and aspire to participate in the Boston Marathon.”
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
And while, the B.A.A. issued an apology to all those who "qualified" under the qualifying times they had listed but were denied entry anyway, it certainly doesn't soften the blow to all those who put in the hard work. Thankfully though, the conditions set forth in the Bible to gain entry into heaven never change... "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Isn't that wonderful news? I'd say it's the Best News ever!
Think about it. That standards never change! If a person confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was raised from the dead, that person will be saved! The standards don't change based on age or gender either. "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek for the same Lord over all is rich to all how call upon Him." Did you get that ALL part?
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord," Acts 3:19
And if the news couldn't get any better, we are told that when a person then repents (which is a sign that a person has truly believed and been converted), their sins are blotted out and times of refreshing "come from the presence of the Lord." Is God good or what? Not only does has He redeemed us by the blood of Jesus Christ, but He forgives our sins and restores our spirits in a way that only He can.
So, if you have not made Jesus your Savior today, I urge you to do it at this very moment my friend. Not only will you be assured entry into heaven on the day you breathe your last or Jesus comes to meet believers in the air, but you can live free from the condemnation and guilt that unrepentant and unforgiven sin always brings. You can be free through the standards that never change! You simply need to all upon the name of the Lord and believe that He is indeed our risen Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for making the standard to enter heaven so clear, concise, and unchanging so that even the simple can understand the way to eternal life. Lord, in light of all that is happening in the world today that points to your imminent return, help us to be bold in sharing the Good News that none would perish on account of us not telling them. Remind us Lord that ONLY those who choose to follow You in this life will inherit eternal life no matter what any other religions claim. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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