DNQ (Did Not Qualify)

DNQ — Did Not Qualify — is a race result indicating that an athlete finished the event but did not achieve the qualifying standard for a subsequent competition. Unlike DNF (Did Not Finish) or DNS (Did Not Start), a DNQ means you completed the race; you just weren't fast enough for the next step. It's the endurance world's version of "close, but not quite."

The most emotionally charged DNQ in distance running is failing to achieve a Boston Marathon qualifying time (BQ). The Boston Marathon is the only major marathon requiring a qualifying time, and thousands of runners train specifically to hit their BQ. Missing it by seconds — which happens regularly — is devastating. The BQ times are age-graded (faster for younger athletes, slower for older), and even after qualifying, you need to beat your BQ by a margin because the field is oversubscribed.

DNQ also applies in triathlon (Ironman World Championship qualifying slots), track and field (Olympic Trials standards), and ultra running (Western States lottery requires a qualifying ultra finish). In each case, the qualifying standard serves as a gatekeeper — ensuring that the destination event maintains a certain competitive level. For many athletes, the qualifying standard itself becomes the goal, sometimes more meaningful than the destination race.

Choose your qualifying race strategically: flat courses, cool weather, and strong pacers maximize your chances

Build a 5–10 minute cushion into your goal pace — you don't want to DNQ by seconds due to a bad patch

Study the qualifying standards well in advance and train specifically for that pace, not just "as fast as possible"

If you DNQ by a small margin, analyze what went wrong (pacing, fueling, course choice) and plan your next attempt — most athletes nail it on the second try