The Boston Marathon is an unofficial sign of the arrival of Spring. In true New England style, the race has experienced huge fluctuations of weather, from hot, to cool, to sunny, and sometimes downpours. This year, however, the temperature will likely be more predictable as Boston officials have moved the legendary event to September 14 in consideration of public safety related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area,” Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the B.A.A. said. “We understand our role, along with our partners, in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials.”
This date change not only effects its participants, many towns and volunteers have been preparing for this day throughout the year. According to the B.A.A. website, efforts have been made to transition the race to its new fall date.
“The B.A.A. has been cooperating with municipal leaders across the eight cities and towns through which the marathon course runs to coordinate the September 14 date for the 124th Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. 5K, which draws a field of 10,000 participants, will also be rescheduled to a later date.”
The Boston Marathon, described as the most demanding race, and owns rights as the world’s oldest annual marathon, has taken place the past 123 years on Patriot’s Day. The marathon was developed 124 years ago by Olympic Team Manager John Graham and assisted by businessman Herbert Holton. Believe it or not, the first race, measured at 24.5 miles, had a mere 15 participants! In 2019, that number grew to 26,761 qualifiers!
Twenty Norwood residents were scheduled to join runners from all over the world who travel to Beantown to push themselves in the strenuous 24.5 mile track from Hopkinton to Boston.
If a runner qualifies, registration occurs on a “rolling admission” schedule, beginning with the fastest qualifiers, and remains open until all qualifier spots had been filled. Preference is given to those who had run the fastest under their age and gender qualifying standard. Registration is held in September of the year prior to the marathon.
However, there are those who do not have to qualify to run the marathon as “the BAA sets aside a few thousand numbers for runners affiliated with one of the marathon’s official charities. The charities are given numbers to distribute to runners, who usually pledge to raise a substantial amount of money for the charity. Charity runners go through the charity they're running for, rather than the qualifier registration system, to sign up for the marathon. Charities open registration for their available numbers at various times during the year.”
Hopefully on September 14, Norwood will still be well represented in the 124th Boston Marathon. Good luck to the 20 local neighbors who are taking what can be considered the most challenging running course in the world!
Name Age
Thomas Ahearn 56
Jennifer Brady 45
Maria Conley 56
Ali Crocker 33
Luke Devin 25
Mike Duggan 33
Paula Fallon 41
Beth Gustin-Rau 39
Benjamin Hampton 36
Matthew Harrington 39
Emily Hunt 41
Chunhua Liu 51
Justyn Mayo 33
Jaime Mazzola 41
Roberta Myers 54
Michelle Nolan 29
Kelli Pertier 34
Darrin Reynolds 46
Sean Rooney 40
Lauren Weeks 29
124th Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14
“The B.A.A.’s mission of promoting health through sports, especially running, has guided our organization for more than a century. In collaboration with our many partners, we look forward to welcoming the world to Boston in September in celebration of the 124th Boston Marathon,” Grilk said.