Every so often, someone throws out a hot take about the Boston Marathon: “Most runners will never qualify, no matter how hard they work. It’s genetics, privilege, and priorities. Hard work doesn’t matter as much.”
On the surface, it sounds like a dose of reality. But the truth is, it misses something important. There’s a big difference between “most runners will never BQ” and “most runners don’t actually want to BQ.”
Let’s start there. Not every runner has Boston on their vision board — and that’s not a bad thing. Some people run to manage stress. Some run for community. Some run to chase local PRs or bucket-list races. And some run to see how far they can go without ever caring about a qualifying standard. Their goals are valid, and they don’t need a Boston bib to prove their worth as runners.
But for those who do want it? That’s where things get more complicated — and more hopeful.
Yes, genetics play a role. Yes, privilege plays a role. Yes, life circumstances, health, and timing all matter. But to say hard work isn’t as big a factor? That underestimates the power of consistent training and smart coaching. I’ve seen athletes chip away at their times year after year, shaving minutes and seconds off until they finally punched their ticket. Lazy talent doesn’t beat persistence. Privilege can’t replace showing up day after day when it would’ve been easier to quit.
As Kipchoge says: No human is limited. That doesn’t mean everyone will qualify for Boston — but it does mean no one should be written off as incapable. The ceiling is almost always higher than you think when you combine smart training with patience and resilience.
The myth of Boston is that it’s only for the gifted. The reality is that Boston is for anyone who decides that’s the finish line they want to chase, and is willing to meet the process with honesty and grit. And for those who don’t want it? Guess what — their goals are just as worthy.
Boston is one finish line. Not the finish line. The work you put in, the growth you experience, the strength you build along the way? That’s what matters.
So no, I don’t buy the take that “most runners will never BQ.” What I see is this: most runners will never want to. And for those who do, hard work doesn’t just matter — it’s the factor that changes everything.
Boston might be your dream race, or it might not even be on your radar. Either way, the point is this: your goals are valid, and they deserve to be trained for with intention.
If you’re ready to chase down your version of “Boston” — whether that’s qualifying, running your first marathon, or simply running stronger for years to come — let’s get to work together. Because no human is limited, but every runner needs a plan.