2014 BOSTON MARATHON ENTIRES TO BE GIVEN TO "STOPPED" RUNNERS
By Chris Lotsbom
(c) Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved - Used with permission.

(16-May) -- One month and one day since a pair of bombs exploded along the finishing stretch of the 117th Boston Marathon, race organizers announced an invitation to participants who were stopped on the course prior to crossing the historic finish line on Boylston Street. The Boston Athletic Association said Thursdaythrough a press release that more than 5,000 runners would be eligible to run the 2014 Boston Marathon and get the chance to complete the Hopkinton-to-Boston trek.

"The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience," said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director, in a statement. "With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment. Boston spectators are known for their impassioned support and unbridled enthusiasm, and they will give these returning athletes some of the loudest cheers at next year's race."

In the 31 days since the bombings on April 15, thousands of Americans have shown their interest in running next year's marathon, which will be held on April 21, 2014. Among those interested were many of the 5,633 runners stopped on the race's course, a large number of whom were halted by police officers less than a mile from the finish on Commonwealth Avenue.

The Boston Athletic Association has put into place a chance for those stopped to return to Hopkinton in 2014.

Participants who were official entrants in April's marathon, started the race, crossed the half-marathon checkpoint in Wellesley, but did not pass the finish are eligible for entry into the 2014 race. Those eligible will receive a non-transferable unique code in August that they can use for entry, according to the Boston Athletic Association. This code will be guaranteed only during a designated registration period. Yet to be determined is the entry fee for these entrants.

Registration for the 118th Boston Marathon will begin in September.

"We want to thank our participants for their patience as we continue to work through the details of arranging this accommodation for them, and we ask for continued patience from the running community as we plan the 2014 Boston Marathon next April," said Grilk.

Roughly 46-percent of the 5,633 athletes eligible for entry are from Massachusetts, a state which has been rattled by the bombings. Citizens of the Commonwealth continue to rally around the "Boston Strong" campaign, which has grown out of the tragedy. Three people --including two Massachusetts' natives and one Chinese resident studying in the State's capital city-- were killed in the incident, with more than 200 injured.

Still standing in Copley Square less than a quarter mile from the finish is a large memorial of race mementos and signs of support which runners, citizens, and passers by have dropped off as a sign of respect.

Yet to be decided is the field size for the 2014 Boston Marathon. Many have called for a field similar to the 1996 running, when 35,868 finishers out of 36,748 starters completed the 100th running.

"The B.A.A. will work with many partners, including public safety officials, before determining changes, if necessary, to the event and the race," the statement read.

In just one hour, the B.A.A.'s statement received upwards of 2,400 "likes" on Facebook, with many commenting in support of the decision.

"Thank you so much BAA! I definitely want to reach that finish line in 2014 since I was diverted in 2013. I got there in 2012 and I can't wait to complete the marathon again! The BAA is a class act all the way" wrote Massachusetts resident Suzy Shapiro.

"Two thumbs up. Great decision BAA!" wrote Jessica Dalton.


PHOTO: The finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon prior to the race (photo by Chris Lotsbom for Race Results Weekly)

ENDS