USA Track & Field (USATF) has unveiled the qualifying standards for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, reintroducing the “A” and “B” standards format that had previously been used to distinguish performance tiers.
This revamped qualification system aims to support high-level competition while addressing the needs of athletes, coaches, and agents through a process shaped by extensive feedback.
“We’re thrilled to see the work of the LDR committees come to fruition,” said Amy Begley, USATF Director of Long Distance Running Programs and 2008 Olympian. “The standards and qualifying window were formed with direct feedback from athletes, coaches, and agents, 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.”
USATF confirmed that athletes meeting the “A” standard will receive travel funding to the Trials. Athletes with the “B” standard will gain entry without financial support. The “A” standard times will be announced later in coordination with the host city’s local organizing committee (LOC).
For the 2028 Trials, the “B” standard for men has been tightened. Male athletes must now run 2:16:00 or faster in the marathon—two minutes quicker than the 2024 standard—to qualify. Alternatively, a half marathon time of 1:03:00 will also earn qualification. For women, the standard remains the same as in 2024. That is 2:37:00 for the full marathon or 1:12:00 for the half marathon. USATF has emphasized that all qualifying performances must be based on chip times, not gun times.
When will it be Opened?
The marathon qualifying window officially opens on September 1, 2025, with a closing date to be announced. Historically, the deadline falls about 45 to 60 days before the Trials. For half marathon times, the window will open on January 1, 2027.
Several athletes will automatically qualify for the 2028 Trials by virtue of their participation in past Olympic Games. Any runner who competed in the U.S. Olympic marathon teams of 2016, 2021, or 2024 is granted automatic entry.
On the women’s side, pre-qualified athletes include Shalane Flanagan, Des Linden, Amy Cragg, Aliphine Tuliamuk, Molly Seidel, Sally Kipyego, Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm. Among the men, Galen Rupp, Meb Keflezighi, Jared Ward, Jake Riley, Abdi Abdirahman, Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Leonard Korir are all eligible.
Additional avenues for qualification
USATF has also announced additional avenues for qualification. Athletes who win the U.S. Marathon Championships in 2025, 2026, or 2027, or those selected to compete in the marathon at the 2025 or 2027 World Championships, will earn the “A” standard. For the “B” standard, athletes may qualify by winning the U.S. Running Circuit in 2026 or 2027, finishing in the top 10 at the U.S. Marathon Championships in 2025 or 2026, or by securing a top 10 finish at any Platinum Label Marathon within the qualifying window.
Moreover, rule 8 will continue to be enforced, allowing additional entry for athletes who have earned an individual Olympic or World Championship medal, won a U.S. Marathon Championship, or received a previous USA Olympic team selection.
