Slowest Time You Can Run a Marathon: Limits, Rules, and Real Stories

Here’s the deal—marathons aren’t just about speed demons in short shorts. Loads of people want to know: what’s the absolute slowest time you can take to finish a marathon? Is there even a limit? If you’ve ever worried about “holding everyone up,” you’re not alone. Most races don’t care if you run or walk, but there’s usually something called a cutoff time. Go over it, and the finish line might disappear on you. Some marathons pick six hours as the cap. Boston? You need to hustle. New York City lets thousands walk over eight hours.

But here’s something nobody tells you: some folks have taken days. For real. In rare cases, as long as you keep moving and are safe, volunteers might still greet you hours after the crowds go home. Still, most of us want to finish officially and get that shiny medal. Knowing the rules ahead of time is a game-changer—if you’re planning to take it slow, picking the right marathon can make all the difference.

• Can You Really Go As Slow As You Want?
• What Cutoff Times Mean (and Why They Matter)
• Famous Cases: The Slowest Marathon Finishers Ever
• Walking a Marathon: Is It Allowed?
• Tips for Making It Before the Cutoff
• Running at Your Own Pace: Mindset and Motivation

Can You Really Go As Slow As You Want?

It sounds wild, but there’s actually no true global rule about how slow you can go when it comes to marathon races. Think about it—when you sign up, you’re usually just trying to finish. But every marathon sets its own rules. Most will have some “cutoff time,” usually decided by the city, police, and race organizers. For famous races like New York City, you get up to 8.5 hours. At smaller local marathons, it could be just 5 hours.

Why is there a limit at all? Roads can’t stay closed forever, volunteers need to go home, and the police can’t block every street all day. So, race directors pick a time that’s tough for most, but possible for walkers and slower runners.

If you’re thinking about stretching it out, here’s the reality check: if you trail behind the cutoff, you could be asked to move to the sidewalk or hop on a “sag wagon” that sweeps up stragglers. You might not get an official finish time or a medal. Still, tons of people have finished marathons far outside the crowd’s main pack. The slowest official marathon on record? Shiso Kanakuri, a Japanese runner, finished the 1912 Stockholm Olympics marathon after 54 years, but that’s a pretty unique story.

So, can you go as slow as you want? Not really, unless you’re running your own solo marathon. If you want an “official” finish, pay attention to the rules, and maybe email the race beforehand if you’re worried. There’s a marathon out there to fit your pace—you just have to find the right one.

What Cutoff Times Mean (and Why They Matter)

If you’re planning on running or even walking a marathon, the phrase marathon cutoff is one you can't ignore. Every race has a limit on how long the course stays open. This is the cutoff time, and it decides if you get an official finish or if you’re asked to leave the course. The reason? Safety, city permits, and getting roads reopened for regular traffic. No one likes being told to pack up and go, but it’s a real thing.

Here’s what this usually looks like. Most big city marathons (think Chicago, New York, Berlin) set their cutoff time somewhere between 6 and 7 hours after the last group crosses the start. New York City Marathon is generous—allowing up to 8 hours for official results. Meanwhile, the Boston Marathon is stricter with a time limit of 6 hours. Some small-town races might shut down even sooner.

Think of the cutoff as the moment the clock strikes midnight for your race. If you cross after, you might be left without a medal, finisher certificate, or your name in the official results. That stings, especially after training for months. It’s not just about bragging rights—some people need a finish time to qualify for future big races.

So if you know you’re pushing the slower end of things, always check the race’s official cutoff before signing up. Pick a marathon with a time that gives you enough breathing room. Some races even offer ‘early start’ waves for walkers or slower runners. It’s all about giving yourself the best shot to finish on your own terms.

Famous Cases: The Slowest Marathon Finishers Ever

People worry about being last, but trust me, some marathon finishers made real headlines for their slowest marathon time. The most legendary slowpoke? Shiso Kanakuri, a Japanese runner in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. He passed out from heat, left Sweden quietly, and came back 54 years later to finish his race with an epic time of 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 8 hours, 32 minutes, and 20.3 seconds. No joke. Of course, that’s more of a fun anecdote than an actual marathon timing rule, but it’s part of the lore.

You might’ve heard of Lloyd Scott, a British guy known for ridiculous marathon stunts. In 2002, he walked the London Marathon in a deep-sea diving suit weighing more than 130 kilos. He took 5 days, 8 hours, 29 minutes. Nobody’s topping that at your local race, guaranteed.

Some actual race organizers do let folks drag it out. The New York City Marathon, one of the world’s biggest, has an official cutoff at about 8.5 hours, but volunteers have been known to keep the finish line open for much longer for stragglers. The NYC record? In 1976, Bob Wieland finished the marathon in 4 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes—he did it on his hands because he lost his legs in Vietnam.

For most runners and even walkers today, your slowest marathon time will be limited by the race’s official cutoff. But these stories prove: if you’ve got enough grit (and maybe a thick skin), you can redefine what finishing means. The key is finding a marathon with a forgiving cutoff or special support for slower folks.

Walking a Marathon: Is It Allowed?

You don’t have to be a gazelle to finish 26.2 miles. A ton of people ask if walking a marathon is against the rules. Here’s the truth: at almost every major race, walking is allowed. As long as you keep ahead of the marathon cutoff time, you’re golden. The New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and London Marathon all welcome walkers. Even in cities where streets need to reopen, you’ll often see volunteers encouraging anyone still plugging along—even if they’re just power walking or even shuffling.

The Boston Marathon is a different story. Because you need a qualifying time just to get in, walking the whole thing probably isn’t an option there. But for most other marathons, plenty of folks mix in walking breaks or even walk all of it. According to the official New York Road Runners website, “walking is permitted as long as participants meet course timing requirements.”

"You can walk, run, or even dance across our finish line—just stay ahead of the sweep vehicle." – New York Road Runners staff, 2023

Some races even have “walking divisions” in their results, so you won’t feel out of place. If you look at large events, you’ll see hundreds (sometimes thousands) finishing in 6, 7, or 8 hours—all making steady progress by walking.

*Boston requires qualifying times for entry.

If you’re thinking of walking a marathon, here are a few things to know:

• Check the official rules for your race ahead of time. Every marathon lists its cutoff on the website.
• Train for time on your feet, not miles—being out there for 6+ hours is different than a quick run.
• Don’t worry about sticking out. Plenty of people will be walking with you, especially toward the latter miles.

Walking is totally legit. As long as you beat the marathon cutoff and stay safe, there’s nothing stopping you from walking your way to a medal.

Tips for Making It Before the Cutoff

If you're worried about getting in before the marathon cutoff, good news—there are real strategies that can help, even if you're mostly walking. Let's be real: nobody wants to see the finish line getting packed up as they shuffle toward it. Here’s how to beat the cutoff, stay confident, and get that medal.

• Check Your Race Cutoff: Every marathon sets a different time limit. Big ones like the New York City Marathon give up to 8 hours, while others might only allow 6. Scroll through your event’s website and double-check the official rules.
• Time Your Training: Practice your pace. Most walk-friendly marathons require at least a 15-18 minute mile. Try a few long walks or run-walk intervals at 16-17 minutes per mile and see how you feel. You’ll figure out early if you need to speed up.
• Stick to Your Fuel Plan: Slower doesn’t mean easier. If you’re out on the course for 6+ hours, you’ll burn through energy and need carbs, salt, and hydration. Eat something every 30-45 minutes, and keep drinking—dehydration will slow you down fast.
• Don’t Linger at Aid Stations: When you’re worried about the cutoff, every minute matters. Grab your water or snack, say thanks, and get moving. Post-aid station strolls are a common time-suck for walkers and slow runners.
• Train for the Distance, Not Just the Time: Anyone can walk a 10K, but 26.2 miles on your feet is a shock if you haven’t gone that distance before. Schedule at least a few 16- to 20-mile sessions so you know what to expect.
• Scout the Course: Look at the marathon’s elevation chart. If there are big hills in the middle or near the end, practice on a similar route. It’s way easier to maintain your pace on flat ground than dealing with surprise hills late in the race.
• Don’t Rely on Sweeper Buses: Some races have a “sweeper bus” to pick up folks behind the pace. If you see one gaining on you, stay focused. Sometimes, picking up the walk just a little will keep you ahead of that dreaded bus.

Last thing—if you’re targeting a slowest marathon time, don’t let nerves get the best of you. As long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other and manage your breaks, you’ve got a strong shot at beating the cutoff and soaking up every minute of your big day.

Running at Your Own Pace: Mindset and Motivation

No matter how fast or slow you go, the real marathon challenge is in your head. You’d be surprised how many people worry more about being last or not finishing than about the physical pain. It’s totally normal to feel that pressure, but here’s a fact: over 50,000 people attempt the marathon distance every year at big-city races like New York, and there’s always somebody crossing the line just before teardown crews get started.

The most important thing is to run your own race. Don’t get sucked into chasing anyone else’s pace, especially early on. The marathon is a personal battle. Some finish in under three hours, others take close to eight, and plenty walk parts—or even the whole thing. There’s no single “right” way to do 26.2 miles. You only “lose” if you give up on yourself.

Motivation can fade when miles drag on. Here’s what helps long-haul finishers stay on track:

• Set mini-goals: Focus on the next mile, water station, or landmark.
• Remember your why: Maybe it’s for charity, health, or proving something to yourself. Keep that reason handy for tough moments.
• Use a mantra: Simple phrases (“just keep moving,” “one step at a time”) are surprisingly powerful when your legs are screaming.
• Get support: Friends on the sidelines, music playlists, or even strangers cheering make a huge difference.

Plenty of folks have crossed the finish line with hour markers already packed up. Some, like the famous Fauja Singh, completed a marathon at age 100, taking over eight hours. Mindset matters more than the clock. Even if you walk a marathon, you’re still a marathoner the moment you finish.

If you want a little motivation boost, here’s a quick look at finish times from the 2023 Chicago Marathon:

Whether you’re running, walking, or somewhere in between, staying focused and believing in your ability to finish is what counts. Remember, nobody cares how slow you go—they’re just impressed you showed up and kept moving.