2028 Olympic Marathon Trials Standards are Here: 2:16:00 for Men, 2:37:00 for Women

wejo · 2025-06-02T12:20:44-04:00

Qualifying window opens September 1, 2025 so get out there and start training!The women's time is the same as in 2024, the men's time dropped 2 minutes from 2:18 to 2:16.These are the "B" standards (so no guaranteed travel).Thoughts? Press release here: USA Track & Field (USATF) announced today the qualification standards for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon, which includes the return to ‘A’ and ‘B’ standards to prioritize full fields and a move to chip times for qualification. The men’s entry (‘B’) standard has been lowered by two minutes from 2:18:00 in 2024 to 2:16:00 in 2028, while the women’s standard will remain at 2:37:00. Both standards were set based on data from the 2024 Olympic Trials qualification period with a goal of roughly 200-athlete fields in 2028. Those who achieve the ‘A’ standards–which are to be determined at a later date in coordination with the local organizing committee–will receive travel and accommodation funding. New for 2028, all qualifying times for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon will be taken from an athlete's chip time rather than gun time. The shift is designed to standardize marks, improve accuracy and provide a more equitable qualification process for runners who don’t have access to an elite starting line. These changes come following multiple town hall meetings in which the Long Distance Running (LDR) Committees—a majority athletes including nine Olympians—listened to feedback from athletes, coaches, and agents to establish qualification procedures that best prioritize athletes’ needs. “We’re thrilled to see the work of the LDR committees come to fruition as we introduce the qualifying procedures for the 2028 Trials,” said USATF Director of Long Distance Running Programs and 2008 Olympian Amy Begley. “The standards and qualifying window were formed with direct feedback from athletes, coaches, and agents at the front of mind with the goal of creating an environment that prioritizes athletes’ performance needs. We’ve had such a surge of young, record-breaking talent on the roads in recent years and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2028.” The qualifying window for athletes to clock the standard in an eligible race opens on September 1, 2025, and closes 60 days prior to the date of the Trials in 2028. A ‘Road to Trials’ qualification list to track those who have hit the standard in an eligible race will be available when the qualification window opens. “As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Trials, we are extremely excited to know that we’ll have best-in-class qualification standards to help ensure that full fields toe the line in both the men’s and women’s races,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “We are committed to delivering a world-class and unforgettable experience for competitors and fans while we select the marathon squad who will represent the U.S. in the first home Games of the millennium.” Additional opportunities for qualification are outlined here: https://www.usatf.org/events/2028/2028-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%93-marathon/2028-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%93-marathon-qualificat

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1 year ago 06/02/2025 8:38pm EDT

re: Masters Fattie

Masters Fattie wrote:
The standard was 2:19 in the 80’s - people are going out and running 2:07 out of seemingly nowhere and we want the time increased? Could be lower at this point in time. 2:13 or bust

Preach! Anyone complaining about 2:16:00 being too difficult for men needs to look at the 8 women on this list.

2:09:56 Ruth Chepngetich
2:11:53 Tigst Assefa
2:13:44 Sifan Hassan
2:14:04 Brigid Kosgei
2:14:58 Amane Beriso Shankule
2:15:25 Paula Radcliffe
2:15:51 Worknesh Degefa
2:15:55 Sutume Asefa Kebede

1 year ago 06/02/2025 8:49pm EDT

re: Albertos Dog

Albertos Dog wrote:
HobbleCreek24 wrote:
I think it has to be a balance between encouraging participation and just a qualifier for the Olympics. I don't mind the fact that extra runners are allowed, in fact I think it's part of the charm, because the marathon is inherently a large community event.
But as the standard of American marathoning improves, the qualifying times should also improve. The best American marathoners are faster than they were 4 years ago, and honestly they're probably more than 2 minutes faster.
The fastest time in the post-Olympic window that I could find was Scott Fauble's 2:08:52, and most marathoners were much slower than that, in the low 2:09s on a good day, or even the 2:10s, 2:11s. And that actually played out all the way to Olympic Qualifying time. People will famously remember that the US struggled all cycle to get men to meet the Olympic standard and only 2 men eventually got the Olympic standard of 2:08:10, Conner Mantz and Clayton Young.
Now the fastest marathoner is 2:05 low with a bunch of marathoners packed up in the 2:07, 2:08 range. Like last cycle, we expect times to speed up as we get closer to the Olympics and prospective Olympians have to meet the Olympic Standard, which early rumor says will go from 2:08:10 to 2:06:30. It's possible a bunch of guys run 2:07s, 2:06s in this upcoming cycle, and the American Record may also fall.
Part of the prestige of the event is not only that you are one of the top 200 or so marathoners in the world, but also that you run a time that is considered "elite" in the context of what is being run by the rest of the country, including the top performers. That's why I think it makes sense to raise the National Standard, and the Olympic standard is also being raised by almost 2 min as well.
But I think, while amateurs are certainly going to be grumpy today, they're also going to raise the bar. If you're really a 2:20 guy, 2:15:59 is not unattainable. And even if you specifically don't get it, someone in your friend group who is also a 2:20 guy is probably going to rise to the occasion. I suspect with the influx of college marathoners at the top level and amateurs raising the standard from the middle, we may still end up with a field size in the 150-200 range.
This is well-reasoned, IMO. I'm a 2:20(:40, so perhaps 2:21) guy and have never really been an OTQ-or-bust runner (in fact, I've long said, once I break 2:20, I'm retiring). It's unreasonable to think that the time wouldn't get faster - the standard was 2:19:00 in 2012; I have to think 2:16:00 in 2025 in Alphafly 3 is easier than 2:19 in the Streak XC - and as much as "sub-elites" can complain about the change, I do think it's a case of a rising tide raising all ships. We saw it on the other side with the 2:45 to 2:37 drop.
The most unfortunate (and perhaps inevitable) part of this decision from where I'm sitting, is that this decision once again narrows the number of races that are worthwhile. It's already very hard to run 2:18 at the Carmel Marathon, or the Vermont City Marathon, or whatever - and it's going to be even harder to run 2:16. This isn't a problem that I imagine women qualifiers have to the same degree, because most marathons have at least some men who can run sub-2:40. For male qualifiers, not only are there a very limited number of runners who can hit the time in each locale, but those who are in the ballpark, fitness-wise, will congregate at CIM, Houston, Grandma's, Berlin, and/or Chicago. In my experience, Houston is logistically very easy and quite cost-effective, but if you aren't ready to race in January, the other options aren't necessarily quite so easy.
I wasn't going to aim for 2:18, and definitely won't be trying for 2:16, but I don't think this is all doom-and-gloom for the sport! Just another change to adapt to.
My $0.02.

The argument would be if those other races like Vermont City want to qualifiers from their course they need to increase prize money.

As it stands, if you are borderline to make the trials only CIM, Houston, Boston, Grandma's, and Chicago are worth doing domestically. Maybe Honolulu.

If you have the money London, Berlin, Valencia are good places to chase.

There is no point in running the Mesas, Richmonds, LAs, Austins, etc. You can but you're wasting an effort running alone chasing the standard or end up placing in like 219-225.

Most these races don't really care though, they view themselves as first a mission to increase fitness in the community, second part of a sport.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 9:44pm EDT

re: wejo

College guy with a 14:15-14:25 PR here. I still don't think this standard puts the OTQ out of reach for guys at my level. Obviously 2:18 would have been nice, but it's still a lot more achievable than the track standards. I intend on making a go at it after I graduate.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 9:59pm EDT

re: some perspective for ya

some perspective for ya wrote:
Masters Fattie wrote:
The standard was 2:19 in the 80’s - people are going out and running 2:07 out of seemingly nowhere and we want the time increased? Could be lower at this point in time. 2:13 or bust
Preach! Anyone complaining about 2:16:00 being too difficult for men needs to look at the 8 women on this list.
2:09:56 Ruth Chepngetich
2:11:53 Tigst Assefa
2:13:44 Sifan Hassan
2:14:04 Brigid Kosgei
2:14:58 Amane Beriso Shankule
2:15:25 Paula Radcliffe
2:15:51 Worknesh Degefa
2:15:55 Sutume Asefa Kebede

So we should compare ourselves to women who dope?

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:21pm EDT

re: collegedude

collegedude wrote:
College guy with a 14:15-14:25 PR here. I still don't think this standard puts the OTQ out of reach for guys at my level. Obviously 2:18 would have been nice, but it's still a lot more achievable than the track standards. I intend on making a go at it after I graduate.

Thoughts on a 2:34 1st time Boston Marathon performance with only 60 miles per week for 3 months getting the new men's standard if true marathon training followed over 3 years like the pros?

Half PR was 1:10:24 with same level of training.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:25pm EDT

re: D3GloryHeroWorship

D3GloryHeroWorship wrote:
collegedude wrote:
College guy with a 14:15-14:25 PR here. I still don't think this standard puts the OTQ out of reach for guys at my level. Obviously 2:18 would have been nice, but it's still a lot more achievable than the track standards. I intend on making a go at it after I graduate.
Thoughts on a 2:34 1st time Boston Marathon performance with only 60 miles per week for 3 months getting the new men's standard if true marathon training followed over 3 years like the pros?
Half PR was 1:10:24 with same level of training.

234 to 216 is a big jump. Do some marathon training, see what you run in the fall and then think about. You could get there, but it probably won't happen this year, maybe not even next. You'll want consistent race over race improvement at the marathon distance if you're going to get there.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:39pm EDT

re: Kvothe

Kvothe wrote:
It should be 2:30 wrote:
That's ridiculous. What about gender equity?
Its never been a consideration for this race. Usually they try for equal field sizes. There has never been gender equity outside of the upper echelon of the sport. From college all the way down, women have easier standards and easier opportunities to make teams. Fewer women go all in on running than men.

To add to that, every single one of us was born to a mother who, if they were a runner, would have had interrupted training for a year (on average two times for two kids). There are fewer women in high-level training just for that singular reason.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:46pm EDT

re: wejo

How about these marathon standards based off equivalents of the Trials 10000 standards (from 2024).

Men’s 10000 was 27:45

The marathon equivalent would be 2:10:25 or so.

Women’s 10000 was 31:30

The marathon equivalent would be 2:26:55 or thereabouts.

I’m guessing the 2028 10000 standards will be somewhat faster, so the marathon standards, too, would be faster.

Like the 10000 have a minimum field size of 24 with the next fastest getting in if there are too few time qualifiers.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:48pm EDT

re: wejo

In 2025, the women’s standard is a joke. It should be 2:29:00 at the very least.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:51pm EDT

re: NorseMN

A dude needs to run 10.05 to qualify for the trials in the 100m as opposed to a 2:16 in the marathon. That’s plain bizarre and makes a mockery of elite marathoning.

1 year ago 06/02/2025 10:56pm EDT

re: make the standards higher

make the standards higher wrote:
2:10 or bust for the males and the females should be 2:20 or bust.

Agree. US mens should be under women's WR.Ruth can run US mens OTQ and be in top 10.

a US guy running 2:15 would have a hard time winning Women's Berlin & London 2024. nowadays mens wining times typically are 2:04 which is about 3 miles ahead of a 2:16 US

You are delusional that suddenly you are going to drop 8-9 minutes and run a 2:07 and make the team !!

1 year ago 06/02/2025 11:11pm EDT

re: subfour349!

The olympic trials should be a showcase of america's finest marathoning. It should be an A standard and then spot based. It would be good for the sport

1 year ago 06/02/2025 11:21pm EDT

re: make the standards higher

make the standards higher wrote:
2:10 or bust for the males and the females should be 2:20 or bust.

I like this. Make the standards faster, and the free market will respond!

1 year ago 06/02/2025 11:51pm EDT

re: Zzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzz wrote:
DisgustedandSad wrote:
Track in the United States has always had a huge issue developing post-collegiate talent. Many athletes quit because there isn't clear infrastructure between NCAA Regionals Qualifiers and Professional competition.
The OTQ has always been a silver lining that motivated ~29:00 10k guys to try and further develop. 2:16 is getting close to discouraging those runners from continuing.
If you run a 29, you should be running a 2:13-2:15 marathon these days. let’s encourage them to put in the work rather than aiming to be 2:17 runners. It is the 30:30 guys who are going to think they have no shot.
you can argue the woman’s is about 90s to slow but the guys is pretty much right in line with improvements in marathon times over the past 30s. Take 6 mins off the WR and the OT time.

Yeah I was going to say - I've run 2:15 and would love to have a 29:00 10K PR lol

1 year ago 06/03/2025 12:28am EDT

re: subfour349!

subfour349! wrote:
make the standards higher wrote:
2:10 or bust for the males and the females should be 2:20 or bust.
Agree. US mens should be under women's WR.Ruth can run US mens OTQ and be in top 10.
a US guy running 2:15 would have a hard time winning Women's Berlin & London 2024. nowadays mens wining times typically are 2:04 which is about 3 miles ahead of a 2:16 US
You are delusional that suddenly you are going to drop 8-9 minutes and run a 2:07 and make the team !!

No city will shell out $500K or whatever host a small trials.

Barely any media mention for running. No one will care. Everything dries up even more.

Many athletes have qualified (or come close) for Olympic teams with a modest OTQ.

You don't know what you're talking about and likely can't break three hours.

1 year ago 06/03/2025 12:48am EDT

re: D3GloryHeroWorship

D3GloryHeroWorship wrote:
Thoughts on a 2:34 1st time Boston Marathon performance with only 60 miles per week for 3 months getting the new men's standard if true marathon training followed over 3 years like the pros?
Half PR was 1:10:24 with same level of training.

Bump the mileage(and survive) to 80-90 and you are probably a 2:25 guy in 6 months. But how you improve after that is anyone’s guess. Maybe you are one of the people who after 90 can do 110 and you keep improving to 2:15. only one way to find out.

1 year ago 06/03/2025 12:56am EDT

re: collegedude

collegedude wrote:
College guy with a 14:15-14:25 PR here. I still don't think this standard puts the OTQ out of reach for guys at my level. Obviously 2:18 would have been nice, but it's still a lot more achievable than the track standards. I intend on making a go at it after I graduate.

For you it is still pretty reasonable another 2-3 years of training and maturity and being a 14:00/29:00/2:15 guy is somewhat reasonable. The guy that is 10s slower though looked at 2:18 the way you are looking at 2:16

In the end it doesn’t matter if you make the trials or not. Running a 2:18 or a 2:15 doesn’t change anything. You are doing this to enjoy the journey not for the reward.

1 year ago 06/03/2025 1:32am EDT

re: wejo

the women's standard is ridiculously slow.

since when is the usatf even mildly interested in athlete's needs?

1 year ago 06/03/2025 1:51am EDT

re: Zzzzzzzz

As long as courses like CIM is still OTQ eligible, 2:16 isn't too fast.

1 year ago 06/03/2025 2:43am EDT

re: Kvothe

Kvothe wrote:
The argument would be if those other races like Vermont City want to qualifiers from their course they need to increase prize money.
As it stands, if you are borderline to make the trials only CIM, Houston, Boston, Grandma's, and Chicago are worth doing domestically. Maybe Honolulu.
If you have the money London, Berlin, Valencia are good places to chase.
There is no point in running the Mesas, Richmonds, LAs, Austins, etc. You can but you're wasting an effort running alone chasing the standard or end up placing in like 219-225.
Most these races don't really care though, they view themselves as first a mission to increase fitness in the community, second part of a sport.

As someone who tried to qualify at Vermont City back in the day, the course isn't perfectly flat. It had prize money, that's probably why I ran there, but it makes more logical sense if your goal is the Trials to go to Chicago or Houston or a really flat course. Not sure what other options I had in the spring. But I think I figured I could take a crack at Chicago in the fall.

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2028 Olympic Marathon Trials Standards are Here: 2:16:00 for Men, 2:37:00 for Women

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