B.A.A. Requiring Boston Marathon Runners To Get Vaccinated

BROOKLINE, MA — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced Thursday that entrants in the 125th Boston Marathon will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to participate in the race on October 11.

To receive a bracelet that must be worn at all times in order to access bib number pick-up and participant transportation areas, athletes must bring an original paper copy, digital copy, photocopy, or photo of their vaccination proof or receive a COVID-19 test in a Boston Marathon medical tent. Participants must also display the bracelet to receive a finisher's medal on Boylston Street.

"The fastest path to pick up numbers for the 125th Boston Marathon is being fully vaccinated," said the B.A.A. in a statement.

All Boston Marathon medical volunteers will be fully vaccinated and other race officials will follow the same protocols as the runners. Any registered athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of the race will not be allowed to participate in the event and will be refunded their registration fee.

Runners will not be required during the race, but will be required on all race-day buses, within the Boston Marathon Expo, and in all medical tents along the route.

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the B.A.A. is encouraging runners to refrain from the tradition of kissing a stranger around the halfway mark of the Boston Marathon and use provided nutrition instead of accepting food or water from spectators.

Earlier this year, the B.A.A. announced additional efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including a reduced field size, elimination of the pre-race Athletes’ Village staging area, and a virtual race option.