Boston Marathon Officials Set Date For 2021 Marathon

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association said Monday that if road races are allowed to take place as part of the Massachusetts reopening plan by October, the 125th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, Oct. 11.

“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 President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. Tom Grilk in a statement.

Grilk said if the Boston Athletic Association is able to hold an in-person race, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and community members would be "paramount."

The event plan still needs approval from the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route, according to officials.

But the news that an in-person marathon looked possible, may be the biggest signal yet of a return to normalcy in Massachusetts, leaving officials hopeful.

“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 Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement.

He added the state and marathon officials would monitor the trajectory of the pandemic.

When the pandemic broke out in March 2020, officials first delayed and then canceled the Boston Marathon for the first time in its 124-year history.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said, while it was the right thing to do, that cancellation was one of the hardest announcements for him to make.

"We have a ways to go before we're out of the woods," he said. "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."

Although marathon and local officials will now plan for an in-person 125th Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. said it would also offer a virtual race option.

Road races are not permitted until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. The commonwealth reverted to Phase III, Step 1 of the reopening plan on Dec. 13, 2020.

The Marathon is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, which is the third Monday in April.

Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day are marked on Oct. 11.

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