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BOSTON MARATHONERS

Marathon Monday is 47 days away, and we couldn't be more excited! With the 119th running of the Boston Marathon fast approaching, we want to make sure you are ready to run your best Boston Marathon.

 

In our fifth participant newsletter, we provide you with links to race information, news on elite runners reaching out to the Greater Boston community, and a Boston Marathon Training Clinic Video. In case you missed any previous participant newsletters, they can be viewed here.

 

If you have any questions regarding this year's Boston Marathon, be sure to visit our FAQ section at www.baa.org, or connect with us on social media. Be on the lookout for our next e-mail in two weeks, and we wish you the best of luck as your training continues. 


Sincerely,

Boston Athletic Association
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 

NUMBERING OF PARTICIPANT FIELD
Bib numbers for the 2015 Boston Marathon will be assigned by Friday, March 13. At that time, your bib number, and wave and corral assignment will show on the ENTRANTS page at www.baa.org.

BAGGAGE AND BUS TRANSPORTATION SURVEY 
By Tuesday, March 10, you will receive an email survey asking you for information about whether you will be utilizing the baggage gear check at Boston Common prior to boarding the buses for Hopkinton, as well as, whether you will be taking the B.A.A. buses out to the start in Hopkinton.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION PACKET
By early April, you will receive your participant information packet. In this packet will be your bib number pick-up card, Welcome Book, Runner Passport®, and other various materials.
RACE INFORMATION LINKS

Below you will find a list of important links with information regarding this year's event:

 

JOHN HANCOCK SPORTS & FITNESS EXPO
Bib number pick-up
PRE-RACE PASTA PARTY
Come fuel up before the big day
BAGGAGE POLICY & GEAR CHECK
The do's and don't of checking in your gear
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Learn where to cheer for your participant
COURSE MAP - presented by JetBlue
Find out what's along the course
BOSTON MARATHON MILE 27 OFFICIAL POST RACE PARTY
Presented by Samuel Adams

 

ELITE RUNNERS REACH OUT TO THE GREATER BOSTON COMMUNITY     

Whenever John Hancock sponsors a major event like the Marathon, it is important for the community to benefit as well. John Hancock sponsors many community initiatives in coordination with the Marathon each year including the John Hancock Scholars & Stars in Hopkinton and Scholars & Stars in Boston.

 

The Scholars & Stars in Hopkinton, now in its 23rd year, brings John Hancock's elite Kenyan runners together with approximately 600 Hopkinton elementary students for an energetic pre-race pep-rally in the historic town where the Marathon begins. Students study the culture of their Kenyan running friends throughout the year and are introduced to the athletes during race week. Students also participate in question and answer sessions with the athletes and go for a group run.  


The Scholars & Stars in Boston is a track event that brings former Boston Marathon champions and elite athletes together with Boston high school scholar-athletes for running clinics and a city wide Friendship Relay. Boston Marathon champions Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Greg Meyer, Wesley Korir, Sharon Cherop, and Caroline Kilel have participated, as have U.S. elites Desiree Davila Linden, Fernando Cabada and Serena Burla.

The event takes place at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center during race week and includes participation from 300-400 high school students, John Hancock employee-volunteers, representatives from the Boston Scholar Athlete Program, and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh. Check out the video from last year:

 
BOSTON MARATHON TRAINING CLINIC VIDEO

Last week, the B.A.A. hosted a Boston Marathon Training Clinic led by B.A.A. High Performance coach Terrence Mahon. Coach Mahon spoke in detail about the Boston Marathon Training Pyramid, and how best to cope with challenges such as winter weather conditions and injuries during the marathon build-up.  

 

Following Coach Mahon, Mary Kennedy, a nutritionist from Stonyfield Organic, gave tips on how to best fuel your body for peak performance during marathon training. To see a video replay of the clinic, click on the button below.

 


 

NEXT BOSTON MARATHON TRAINING CLINIC
Monday, March 23, 6:00 p.m. ET to 7:00 p.m. ET

Topic: Race Day Preparation
  • Tapering for the race
  • Final countdown to Patriots' Day
  • Race day logistics
  • Course preview
  • Question & answer - Open forum to ask our panel of experts about all things related to the Boston Marathon.

  

 

 

To learn more about Coach Mahon's Boston Marathon Training Plans on miCoach, click the button below:

 

 

STONYFIELD ORGANIC
We're Running For The Girls
 

With all the snow we've had here in New England, we're extra excited to see marathon day approaching. Like you, the runners of Team Stonyfield are hard at work, training for the big day. As you know, Boston is more than just a race. It's THE race.

 

For Stonyfield, this race is also about something bigger: helping girls be the best they can be. Team Stonyfield runners are raising money for Girls on the Run, a national running program that inspires girls in 3rd-8th grade to be healthy and confident. And we're contributing an additional $10,000 so even more girls around the country can participate in this great program.

 

Want to learn more about Girls on the Run? Visit our Boston Marathon page to watch their video and - if you like - to make a contribution of your own.

 

And while you're there, don't forget to enter for a chance to win our VIP Boston Marathon Getaway!

 

See you on Marathon Monday!

 

The Folks at Stonyfield


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know you may have questions about the upcoming Boston Marathon, and we're dedicated to making sure you have as much information as possible. Below are a few examples of questions most often submitted. As always, if you do have any questions, please contact info@baa.org, or you can ask us on our official Facebook page.

(Q) I want to meet my friend or family member right after they cross the finish line. Is there any way meet them at the finish line? Can I propose to my significant other at the finish line?

(A) The B.AA. suggests that you make arrangements to meet your runner in the Family Meeting Area. Large signs with all letters of the alphabet will be posted beginning on Stuart Street, along Clarendon Street and finishing along St. James Avenue. Access to the finish line area is strictly for race personnel only. Due to the amount of runners, officials, medical personnel, and volunteers working in the finish area, the B.A.A. cannot accommodate specific requests such as marriage proposals or special meet ups in the finish area.

 

(Q) I have a scheduling conflict on race weekend and don't know if I can make it to the Expo to pick up my bib. Can a friend bring a copy of my ID to pick up my bib number and participant items for me?

(A) No. All Boston Marathon participants are required to pick up their own bib numbers in person at the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo on race weekend. We do not make exceptions to this policy.

 

(Q) I'm going straight to Hopkinton on race morning but would like to check a bag. What are my options?

(A) All runners who wish to check a bag must do so at the Boston Common on race morning. This opportunity will not be provided in Hopkinton. If you are not planning on checking a bag in Boston on race morning, you may wish to have a friend or family member hold items you need after the race and meet you in the Family Meeting Area, which will be located beyond the finish line.

 

(Q) When will the B.A.A. Shuttle Bus schedule be announced?

(A) As soon as the field is numbered (expected in mid-March), then the B.A.A. Shuttle Bus schedule will be published.

 

(Q) I'll be a spectator at this year's race and want to cheer for my friend/family member at several points on the course. Will it be difficult to travel to different parts of the course during race day?

(A) Traveling by car to different parts of the course will be difficult because of pedestrian and vehicle congestion. There are several MBTA Subway and Commuter Rail stops along the course, starting near mile four. However, be prepared for potential delays or congestion on trains. For more on Spectator Information, visit http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/spectator-information.aspx.

 

(Q) I want to register for the 2016 Boston Marathon. When is the last day I can run a qualifying race?

(A) The qualification window for the 2016 Boston Marathon began on September 13, 2014. The last day to qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon would be the day that registration closes for the 2016 Boston Marathon. Registration is expected to open in September of 2015. Once the maximum field size is reached, registration will close, and therefore the window for qualifying closes.

  

To see more frequently asked questions, click the button below: 
 




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