FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2021 Boston Marathon Will Not Take Place in April
B.A.A. to Seek Rescheduled Date in Fall 2021
BOSTON-The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that the
125th Boston Marathon, traditionally held on the third Monday in
April-Patriots' Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts-will be postponed
until at least the fall of 2021. The B.A.A., which has been meeting
regularly with its COVID-19 Medical & Event Operations Advisory Group to
determine when and how the Boston Marathon can be held again, will begin
working with local, city, and state officials, sponsors, organizing
committee members, and other stakeholders to determine if a fall 2021 date
is feasible.
"With fewer than six months until Patriots' Day and with road races
prohibited until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan, we are unable
to host the Boston Marathon this coming April," said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of
the B.A.A. "By shifting our focus to a fall date, we can continue to work
with stakeholders to adjust the in-person experience for runners and
supporters alike. Prioritizing the safety of participants, volunteers,
spectators, and community members, we continue to assess all elements of
the race including a potential reduced field size or weekend date."
No 2021 date has been selected, however, the B.A.A. will work with local,
city, and state officials and members of its COVID-19 Medical & Event
Operations Advisory Group to establish under what conditions the next live,
in-person Boston Marathon can occur. Before the end of the year, the B.A.A.
seeks to announce a new date. Other details such as when registration may
open and the field size, pending local regulations and the event plan, will
also be forthcoming. Information regarding other 2021 B.A.A. events,
including the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and B.A.A. Half Marathon, will be
announced at a later date.
"We are optimistic that the Boston Marathon will continue its tradition of
celebrating the spirit of community and athletic excellence next fall. We
know there will be many questions and we will look to address them in the
coming months ahead," Grilk said.
The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20, was held as a
ten-day Virtual Experience after being canceled due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through
sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and
also supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The
Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with
international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York
City. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been
John Hancock. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
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