For 2026, the London Marathon has changed its Good For Age (GFA) qualifying times, and they are now tougher. This means that runners will have to run faster to secure a place in the prestigious marathon. Meeting the qualifying time allows for application submission, but places are allocated on a ‘fastest first’ basis whenever applications exceed the available places.
Men 18-39 need under 2:52, and women in the same group need under 3:38. Qualifying times differ by age group and gender. This article breaks down the new times, changes, and tips for qualifying.
For those who do not meet the standard qualification criteria, securing a charity place is an alternative entry route.
Good For Age entry is a valued way to secure a spot in the London Marathon. Runners qualify by achieving exceptional marathon times for their age and gender, pushing athletes to set and surpass competitive targets.
GFA entry is open only to UK residents who meet the qualifying times in official marathons, including the London Marathon GFA and England Athletics. For 2026, 6,000 spots are designated for GFA entries, split evenly between men and women. These age places are allocated based on age and gender categories, ensuring that only the most competitive runners secure a place.
If more runners meet the qualifying times than there are spots available, priority goes to the fastest runners among the fastest qualifiers. These spots are allocated on a fastest first basis within each age category, making the GFA entry a prestigious and motivating target for many marathoners.
The London Marathon has announced new age qualifying times for 2026, increasing the challenge. These times vary by age group and gender, ensuring a fair and competitive standard. The relevant qualifying time must be achieved during a specific qualifying period and must be from certified events.
For men aged 18-39, the qualifying time is now under 2 hours and 52 minutes, while women in the same age group must clock in under 3 hours and 38 minutes. These benchmarks reflect the high standards expected of marathoners aiming for GFA entry. For older runners, such as those in the 70-74 age group, men must achieve a time under 4 hours and 52 minutes, and women under 5 hours and 53 minutes.
The cut-off time significantly impacts the chances of obtaining a GFA placement, as runners must often surpass this time by a certain margin to be considered for entry. These qualifying times determine who gets a place on a ‘fastest first’ basis. Achieving them secures a marathon spot and signifies a remarkable qualification time achievement. Qualification times are essential for ensuring that the best runners are prioritised in marathons and distance races.
The 2026 London Marathon qualifying times have become more stringent. For men, the times are three minutes quicker than those for 2025. Women need to run two minutes faster in each age bracket. The only exception to the non-deferral rule is for individuals who are pregnant or postpartum.
Here are the new Good for Age qualifying times required for the 2026 London Marathon:
| Age | Men | Women |
| 18-39 | sub 2:52 | sub 3:38 |
| 40-44 | sub 2:57 | sub 3:43 |
| 45-49 | sub 3:02 | sub 3:46 |
| 50-54 | sub 3:07 | sub 3:53 |
| 55-59 | sub 3:12 | sub 3:58 |
| 60-64 | sub 3:34 | sub 4:23 |
| 65-69 | sub 3:52 | sub 4:53 |
| 70-74 | sub 4:52 | sub 5:53 |
| 75-79 | sub 5:07 | sub 6:13 |
| 80-84 | sub 5:27 | sub 6:38 |
| 85-89 | sub 6:10 | sub 7:10 |
| 90+ | sub 7:20 | sub 7:45 |
The London Marathon has tightened its Good for Age (GFA) qualifying times for 2026, raising the bar for competition. Compared to 2025, the qualifying times are now three minutes faster for men and two minutes faster for women across all age groups, except for the 85-89 and 90+ categories, which remain unchanged.
Qualifying times must be achieved at events certified by the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) or national governing bodies. These adjustments underscore the marathon’s dedication to fostering a highly competitive field while ensuring inclusivity for older participants. By balancing rigour with accessibility, the London Marathon continues to uphold its reputation as a premier event for runners of all ages.
Tightening these times underscores the growing prestige of securing a GFA entry. It challenges runners to continually improve, fostering a culture of excellence within the marathon community.
The GFA (Good for Age) qualifying times for the London Marathon have been changed in recent years due to several factors. These changes are implemented by race organisers to improve the overall competitiveness and inclusivity of the event.
One significant reason for changing the GFA qualifying times is that it reflects the increasing standards of elite marathon running. With advances in training methods, nutrition, and technology, runners can achieve faster times than ever before. Therefore, adjusting the GFA times ensures that only top-performing athletes can secure guaranteed entry into the London Marathon through time qualification.
Another factor that contributes to changing GFA qualifying times is the growing popularity of marathons among older age groups. The London Marathon, like many other major marathons, offers age group categories with different qualifying times. As the number of older runners participating in marathons increases, it becomes necessary to adjust GFA times for these age groups to maintain fairness and competitiveness.
These ‘Good For Age times’ are crucial for ensuring that the qualifying standards reflect the abilities of runners across different age brackets.
The qualification period for the 2026 GFA entry runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025. Runners must complete a marathon within the specified age group time during this period to be eligible. The qualifying window closes on 30 September 2025, so it is important to submit your times within this period to ensure eligibility.
Only official race results from in-person races with certified courses will qualify, ensuring integrity and fairness. Only marathon times from certified events are accepted for GFA applications. Runners must submit proof of performance, including links to official race results, to verify they achieved the qualifying times within the designated period and must have been run at an event, especially in distance running.
With 6,000 GFA places available, divided equally between men and 3,000 women, it is crucial to meet all requirements and submit accurate proof within the qualifying window. This strict adherence to guidelines ensures that all participants compete on a level playing field.
Submitting your qualifying time for GFA entry involves a detailed process. First, confirm that you are a UK resident. Next, gather proof of performance, including a link to the official race results page showing your event details and qualifying age time.
You will also need to provide proof of age through documents like a passport or driving license, and proof of UK residence via a recent utility bill or driving license. This documentation verifies your eligibility and secures your spot.
Submit applications within the qualifying window, ensuring all evidence is accurate and falls within the designated qualifying period. Faster runners who meet the qualifying times are allocated race bibs, emphasising the importance of achieving these times. This meticulous process ensures that only the most deserving runners submit evidence to guarantee you entry through the GFA route.
Achieving a GFA qualification requires running a marathon on a certified course. These courses must be certified by UKA, the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), or another national governing body to ensure the validity of the qualifying times. This certification guarantees that the course meets specific standards, providing a fair and consistent measure of performance.
Only officially certified marathons will be accepted for GFA applications.
This rigorous adherence to certified courses ensures the integrity of the GFA qualification process, maintaining a level playing field for all aspiring marathoners.
A well-rounded training regimen is essential for achieving GFA times. Incorporate variety in your training, including easy runs, tempo runs, and interval training, to enhance overall performance. Establishing a pacing strategy based on your training and fitness level can also help prevent fatigue and improve your marathon performance. Running for the country at certified events ensures that your qualifying times are valid and recognised.
Why not download one of our Coach the Run Marathon Training Plans, expertly written by our Head Coach and London Marathon winner, Mike Gratton? Designed to cater to all abilities, our plans range from beginner-friendly to elite-level schedules for those targeting an impressive 2 hours 10 minutes. These plans focus on achieving qualifying times at recognised distance races, aligning with distance race aims to meet entry standards for prestigious events.
Mental strategies, such as positive visualisation, can also help manage the psychological challenges encountered during a marathon. Cross-training, including activities like cycling or swimming, can enhance endurance and reduce injury risks.
These tips can significantly improve your chances of achieving the qualifying times needed for GFA entry, making your marathon journey both rewarding and successful.
Looking to qualify for the GFA or hit a new personal best? 1:1 coaching might be just what you need to level up your training. At Coach the Run, we’re proud to offer our Run Your Best Race online coaching package led by none other than London Marathon winner Mike Gratton.
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After submitting your GFA entry application, expect confirmation within a few weeks after the application window closes during GFA time. The timeline may vary depending on the volume of applications received. If your GFA application is unsuccessful, consider entering the London Marathon ballot as an alternative route to secure a place in this highly sought-after event.
If your application is successful, you will receive instructions on the next steps to finalise your entry. If unsuccessful, you will be notified and may have the opportunity to enter the ballot. Additionally, runners who meet the necessary criteria, such as previous marathon times and registration with national governing bodies, may aim for a Championship place, highlighting the competition and difficulty of securing a spot in this prestigious event.
In summary, achieving a GFA entry for the London Marathon is a challenging yet rewarding goal. With the new qualifying times for 2026 and the stringent requirements, it is essential to plan meticulously and train diligently. The Boston Marathon, another prestigious event, also has similar qualifying standards that reflect the increasing performance levels among runners.
Securing a Good For Age place is highly competitive, as meeting the qualifying time offers an opportunity to apply for a place but does not guarantee entry due to limited availability, which is allocated on a ‘fastest first’ basis.
As you embark on your journey towards qualifying for the GFA, remember to stay motivated and focused. Use the resources available, such as our Marathon Training Plans and Run Your Best Race one-to-one online coaching, to help guide you along the way.
Whether you are striving for a GFA or Championship entry, the journey to the starting line is a testament to your dedication and passion for running.
Keep pushing your limits, and you may find yourself among the elite runners at the next London Marathon!
The qualifying period for the 2026 GFA entry runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Make sure you’re ready within those dates!
There are 6,000 GFA spots for the 2026 London Marathon, split evenly between men and women. So, if you’re aiming for a GFA entry, it’s definitely competitive!
If your GFA application isn’t successful, you’ll be informed about it, and you might have a chance to enter the ballot instead. So, keep your head up; there’s still a possibility!
You’ll need to provide proof of performance, proof of age, and proof of UK residence for GFA entry. Make sure to have these documents ready to streamline your application process!
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