We Noticed: Boston Set For Record Entries, IRONMAN Heads to Romania and Clash Adds Collegiate Long-Course Event

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) started notifying qualified applicants of their acceptance into next year’s Boston Marathon, which is set to go on April 19, 2027. Qualifiers who were 5:17 faster than their age-group qualifying time have been accepted. A record field of 25,630 qualified applicants will be eligible to compete this year.

This year the organization has also incorporated a Boston Qualifier Selection – a random option that will allow 1,000 qualifiers (who weren’t 5:17 faster than their age-group qualifier time) to be selected. The Boston Marathon field size will be set at 30,000 official entrants. The remainder of the field will consist of invitational entrants, including runners participating as part of the  Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, along with invited professional and Para athletes.

Here are some stats around the qualifier registration provided by the B.A.A.:

• 33,649 applications were received during the registration period for qualifiers 
• 25,630 qualified applicants have been accepted to date or are in the process of being accepted, pending verification of their qualifying performance.
• 8,019 qualifier applicants were unable to be accepted into the 131^st Boston Marathon.
• This year’s qualified field includes 13,898 men, 10,641 women, and 91 non-binary athletes so far. 
• Citizens of 120 countries have been accepted into the 131^st Boston Marathon.
• Residents of all 50 U.S. states (plus Washington, DC and additional U.S. territories) were accepted into the 131^st Boston Marathon.
• The top five most popular qualifying races were the 2026 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America (4,448 entrants), 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (2,043 entrants), 2025 TCS New York City Marathon (826 entrants), 2025 California International Marathon (812 entrants), and 2026 TCS London Marathon (610 entrants).
• Approximately 10,745 athletes will be racing their first Boston Marathon.
• The youngest and oldest accepted athletes are 18 and 84 years old, respectively.
• 1,498 Massachusetts residents are entered in the Boston Marathon. 
• 215 athletes achieved their respective Para Athletics Division qualifying standards to gain entry.
• 849 athletes have been accepted based on completing at least 10+ consecutive Boston Marathons or qualifying as part of the B.A.A. Running Club.

IRONMAN Announces First Race in Romania

IRONMAN will head to Mamaia Constanta, Romania on Sept. 26, 2027, the first IRONMAN 70.3 race held in the Black Sea.

“Located on Romania’s Black Sea coast Mamaia-Constanța is known for its long sandy beaches, vibrant atmosphere and unique position between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol,” according to a press release from IRONMAN. “The destination combines seaside energy, rich cultural heritage and modern tourism infrastructure, creating a compelling setting for athletes and spectators alike. Mamaia-Constanța welcomes millions of visitors each year and is easily accessible through Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, as well as extensive road and rail connections. Beyond race day, visitors can explore the city’s historic Old Town, impressive architecture, bustling marina, museums, restaurants and beaches, making it an ideal destination for athletes travelling with friends and family.”

According to IRONMAN, more than 20 European 70.3 races are sold out for next year, so this gives athletes another chance to compete in a late-season event. More information is available here.

Clash Endurance Adds New Events to Daytona Race

Held at the world famous Daytona International Speedway, Clash Daytona is the flagship event for Clash Endurance, which hosts a pair of triathlon races along with running and gravel races every year. This year, organizers have added a couple of new events to its busy weekend of racing from December 4 to 6.

After a few years of hosting the USAT Collegiate Club Championships (those will be part of Clash Mississippi again next year), the Collegiate Invitational Long-Course Triathlon looks to attract athletes from the many universities within driving distance for a middle distance race.

The opening race of the 2027 USA Triathlon Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series has also been added to the weekend. The sprint-distance race serves as a chance for the athletes to compete as they work toward qualification for the 2027 USA Paratriathlon National Championships in Des Moines, IA next year.

The charity swim race hosted by Swim Across America returns, but on Saturday vs Sunday this year. The organization’s mission is “Making Waves for Cancer,” and the date change is geared to allow more participants, spectators and supporters to get involved.

You can find out more about Clash Daytona here.

No Positive Tests from Roth

There were 56 doping tests done at Challenge Roth this year, and all came back negative, according to the National Anti-Doping Agency of Germany. Both professional and age-group athletes were tested.

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