by RBR Admin
Boston Marathon Start Line courtesy of Boston Athletic Association, FayFoto
Huge challenges in the global marathon business. Boston, the most iconic, has moved to October 11, 2021, leaving no major marathons in Spring 2021.
We wish all marathoners safe training, and the Marathon organizers good luck in getting their events to fruition.
Fall 2021 Boston Marathon Date Selected
Race can occur when allowed under Massachusetts reopening guidelines
BOSTON–The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that if road races are allowed to take place as part of the Massachusetts reopening plan, the125th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021.
“We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state, and public health officials,” said Tom Grilk, President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members will be paramount.”
“Massachusetts continues to fight COVID-19 and distribute vaccines across the Commonwealth, and with brighter days ahead, we are looking forward to getting back to a new normal in 2021,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue to work with local partners and the B.A.A. to monitor the situation and remain hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October.”
“While it was of course the right thing to do, canceling the 2020 Boston Marathon for the first time in its 124-year history was one of the hardest announcements to make,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Today, I’m filled with hope, as we set our sights on October for the running of the 125th Boston Marathon. We have a ways to go before we’re out of the woods, but guided by sound judgement and the advice of our public health experts, I am hopeful that we’ll get to enjoy the return of one of Boston’s most storied traditions this fall.”
In celebration of the 125th Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. will also offer a virtual race option. Additional details including field size for the in-person race, registration dates, safety measures and protocols, and participant requirements that will be in place will be forthcoming. The event plan will be pending future approval from the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route.
Road races are currently not permitted until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. The Commonwealth reverted to Phase III, Step 1 of the reopening plan on December 13, 2020.
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.
2021 Boston Marathon Frequently Asked Questions
(Q) WHEN WILL THE 2021 BOSTON MARATHON BE HELD?
(A) If road races are allowed to take place as part of the Massachusetts reopening plan, the 125th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021. Additional details including field size for the in-person race, registration dates, safety measures and protocols, and participant requirements that will be in place are forthcoming. The event plan will be pending future approval from the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route.
(Q) WHEN IS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2021 BOSTON MARATHON?
(A) Registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon has not opened. All details regarding registration and field size, pending local regulations and the event plan, will be forthcoming. Once registration dates are available, they will be posted on www.baa.org, in Athletes’ Village, and across the Boston Marathon social media channels.
(Q) WHAT IS THE FIELD SIZE FOR THE 2021 BOSTON MARATHON?
(A) Details regarding registration and field size, pending local regulations and the event plan, will be forthcoming. We are actively working with our local, city, state, and public health partners to determine the optimal field size for 2021, keeping the safety of participants, volunteers, and community members paramount.
(Q) WHAT IS THE QUALIFYING WINDOW FOR THE 2021 BOSTON MARATHON?
(A) The qualifying window for the 2021 Boston Marathon opened on September 15, 2018. Any valid qualifying time run on or after that date may be used to submit a Boston Marathon registration application. Please note that achieving a qualifying time does not guarantee acceptance of entry into the Boston Marathon. Times run in virtual marathons are not eligible for Boston Marathon qualification purposes. Qualifying windows for future Boston Marathons will be announced at a later date.
(Q) WHAT COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT THE BOSTON MARATHON?
(A) The Boston Athletic Association continues to work with local, city, state, and public health officials to determine best practices to ensure the safety of all community members. Safety measures and protocols, along with participant requirements pending local regulations and event plans, will be made available in the coming months.
(Q) WILL THERE BE A VIRTUAL COMPONENT TO THE 2021 BOSTON MARATHON?
(A) Yes! The B.A.A. will offer a virtual race opportunity as part of the 2021 Boston Marathon, with additional details forthcoming. Registration information will be posted to www.baa.org, Athletes’ Village, and the Boston Marathon social media channels.
(Q) WILL THERE BE A B.A.A. 5K ON BOSTON MARATHON WEEKEND?
(A) The B.A.A. 5K will be held virtually in 2021 over Patriots’ Day weekend, April 16-April 18. Registration will open on February 1 within Athletes’ Village. For more information visit www.baa.org.
(Q) WHAT IS THE STATUS OF OTHER 2021 B.A.A. RACES?
(A) The B.A.A. 5K will be held as a virtual race from April 16-April 18, with registration opening through Athletes’ Village on February 1. Information regarding other 2021 B.A.A. events, including the B.A.A. 10K and B.A.A. Half Marathon, will be announced at a later date.
