FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  2009 Boston Marathon Entries On Record Pace: 20% Ahead of Schedule

Boston, Mass. – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today 
that entries for the 113th Boston Marathon, to be held on Monday, April 20, 
2009, are pacing 20% ahead of the same time last year. As of January 9, 
2008, there were 14,333 participants registered for the 2008 Boston 
Marathon. The number of entrants currently registered for the 2009 Boston 
Marathon is 17,772.

The B.A.A. did not increase the entry fee for the 2009 Boston Marathon, and 
the field size limit remains at 25,000 entrants for the second consecutive 
year. With the 2008 Boston Marathon having reached its maximum by February, 
qualified runners looking to participate in the 2009 race are encouraged to 
submit their registration quickly to avoid being shut out of the 
competition.

"It's an exciting time for the B.A.A. and the sport of running, even in 
this challenging economic climate," said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy 
Morse. "To qualify for the Boston Marathon takes a commitment to one's 
training and dedication to a fitness regimen. Anyone who has qualified and 
intends to run next year's Boston Marathon should enter now while space 
remains available. We anticipate reaching our maximum field size again well 
in advance of the 2009 race." 

To register for the 2009 Boston Marathon, please visit the official Boston 
Marathon web site at www.bostonmarathon.org. 

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