PRE-RACE
Schedule of Events
Public Transportation
Bib Number, T-Shirt & Packet Pick-up
112th Boston Marathon Pre-race Dinner

RACE DAY
Transportation to the Start
Parking in Hopkinton
Athletes' Village
Baggage Check-in
Rules & Regulations
Bib Number
Timing & Scoring Procedures
Course Amenities
Finish
Hewlett-Packard® Athlete Search
AT&T Athlete Alert Program

POST-RACE
Family Meeting Area
Results
Awards
Special Events
Course Description
Medical Information
Services
Hydration, Dehydration and Hyponatremia
Weather
How the Boston Marathon Medical Team May Assist You
American Red Cross Aid Stations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Team Registration
Pre-race: B.A.A. Information Center at Bib Number Pick-up Area
Race Day: Information Kiosk at Family Meeting Area
Post-race Troubleshooting: B.A.A. Office
Official Photos: Marathon Foto
Official DVD: MyMarathonDVD®
Live Race Day Broadcast Coverage
Web Site Coverage
Official Merchandise
Free Post-Marathon Injury Clinic

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, April 18

Boston Marathon Bib Number Pick-up (10:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.)
Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston, MA
Registered athletes pick-up their official bib numbers.

John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo (10:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.)
Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston, MA
The 31st annual John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo featuring more than 200 exhibitors. Complimentary admission courtesy of John Hancock, Conventures, Inc. and the B.A.A.

Saturday, April 19

Boston Marathon Bib Number Pick-up (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)–see Friday, April 18

John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)–see Friday, April 18

B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Boylston St. at Copley Square Park
An event for youths who are part of Club 112, a B.A.A. Youth Running Program.
This event is presented by the B.A.A., in partnership with adidas and the City of Boston.

Sunday, April 20

Boston Marathon Bib Number Pick-up (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)–see Friday, April 18

John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)–see Friday, April 18

2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Women’s Marathon (8:00 a.m.)
Starts and finishes on Boylston Street
Come out and support the top female marathoners in the country—and cheer them on as they compete for three spots on the U.S. Olympic Team.
*The Freedom Run will not be held in 2008 due to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials— Women’s Marathon.

Pre-race Dinner (4:30 – 8:00 p.m.)
City Hall Plaza
Boston Marathon Pre-race Dinner for athletes and guests. This year the Big Apple Circus will be hosting mini-performances, under the Big Top, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, April 21

112th Boston Marathon; Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Mobility Impaired Division start time: 9:00 a.m.
Wheelchair Division start time: 9:25 a.m.
Elite Women’s start time: 9:35 a.m.
Elite Men’s and Wave 1 start time: 10:00 a.m.
Wave 2 start time: 10:30 a.m.

Boston Marathon Awards Ceremony (5:00 p.m.)
Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, 38 St. James Ave., Grand Ballroom
The champions and top age division finishers will receive their awards.

Post-race Dance Party (8:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)
The Roxy and Pure, 279 Tremont St., Boston, MA
Dancing, entertainment and video of the race. There will be a cyber cafe to find race results. Complimentary shuttle bus service runs continuously, throughout the evening from major hotels to the Roxy starting at 7:30 p.m.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The best way to get around Boston is by taking public transit. The Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides a vast network of convenient and safe
public transportation throughout the state including extra service on race day. Visit www.mbta.com for maps, fares, and more. For general fare and service information call: 617-222-3200.

ARLINGTON (Green line): Finish area.

BOSTON COLLEGE (Green line B): Mile 21.4 of Marathon Course.

BOYLSTON (Green line): Race Day transportation to Hopkinton; Post-race party.

CLEVELAND CIRCLE (Green line C): Mile 22.4 of Marathon Course.

COPLEY (Green line; closed on race day): Finish line, Boston Marathon Monument
(at Copley Square); Youth Relay Challenge (on Boylston St.).

GOVERNMENT CENTER (Green, Blue lines): Pre-race Dinner (at City Hall Plaza).

HYNES CONVENTION CENTER (Green lines B, C, and D): Boston Marathon Bib Number
Pick-up and John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo.

KENMORE (Green lines B, C, and D): One-mile-to-go marker.

WOODLAND (Green line D): Mile 16.8 of Marathon Course.

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BIB NUMBER, T-SHIRT & PACKET PICK-UP
This year, Number Pick-up and the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo will be located
at the Hynes Convention Center at 900 Boylston St. in Boston.

The Hynes Convention Center is located just blocks away from the Hynes Convention
Center stop on the MBTA’s Green Line, as well as from the Green Line’s Copley
station, near the Boston Marathon finish line.

Included in this mailing is your official Bib Number Pick-up card, printed with your bib
number. YOUR BIB NUMBER PICK UP CARD AND A PHOTO I.D. ARE REQUIRED TO
PICK UP YOUR BIB NUMBER! Please verify the accuracy of all personal information on
this card. If any changes need to be made, make a photocopy of the card, mark the
corrections, and mail to:

B.A.A. Corrections
One Ash St.
Hopkinton, MA 01748-1897

To pick up your bib number, bring your card to:
Hynes Convention Center,
900 Boylston St., Boston, MA
Friday, April 18, 10:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Saturday or Sunday, April 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Hynes Convention Center security personnel reserve the right to check any bags
that are brought into the Hynes Convention Center.

Please be prepared to show your photo I.D. If you have lost your card, a duplicate will
be issued upon presentation of a photo I.D. Special tables will be set up in the Number
Pick-up area for this purpose.

A computer timing chip and complete instructions will be enclosed with your bib
number. After you receive your bib number, you will be directed to pick up your T-shirt
and race packet.

If you are unable to pick up your bib number and would like to authorize a friend to
do so, please sign your Number Pick Up Card and print your friend’s name on the card.
Your friend will then have to present the Number Pick Up Card as well as their photo
I.D. in order to obtain your number. Only original Number Pick Up Cards will be
accepted; a note of authorization will not be accepted.

Absolutely no bib numbers will be available for pick-up on race day, Monday, April 21.
This year runners’ T-shirts will be packed into, and distributed in, your race packet. This
bag also doubles as your baggage bag on race day. After you pick up your number you
will be directed to tables that indicate the T-shirt sizes (S, M, L, XL). There you will
receive the bag that contains your T-shirt as well as other products.

2008 Boston Marathon Participant T-Shirt
This year we are proud to be the first major marathon to provide a men’s and women’s
gender-specific technical long-sleeve T-shirt to all entrants, compliments of adidas. The shirts will be available in men’s S-XXL and women’s S-XL. A changing area (Room #110) will be available at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo to ensure that you receive the correct size.

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112TH BOSTON MARATHON PRE-RACE DINNER
Join runners from across the country and around the world at Boston’s historic City Hall Plaza to fuel-up on delicious foods and experience the camaraderie and high energy of this pre-race celebration. The Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner will feature a buffet and live entertainment. Your ticket will be enclosed with your official runner’s bib. The Big Apple Circus will be hosting mini-performances, under the Big Top, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered Boston Marathon runners will receive free admission. For information on purchasing Big Apple Circus tickets, please visit www.bigapplecircus.org.

PLEASE NOTE: No backpacks will be allowed at the Pasta Party.

City Hall Plaza, Boston
Sunday, April 20, 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Free admission for children under 12
Additional tickets for family and friends ($20 each) will be on sale at the Boston Marathon Number Pick-up area of the Sports & Fitness Expo during Marathon weekend.

Directions: City Hall Plaza, located in downtown Boston, is within easy access of all major
hotels and public transportation.

Parking: Available for a fee at 60 State St. and 50 New Sudbury St.

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TRANSPORTATION TO THE START
NOTE: Once again the B.A.A. will be implementing a two-wave start. Those assigned blue bibs (numbers 1,000–13,999) are Wave 1 starting at 10:00 a.m. and those assigned red bibs (numbers 14,000+) are Wave 2 starting at 10:30 a.m. Please start in the wave and corral to which you have been assigned. To learn more about the wave start, please refer to the Rules & Regulations or visit the FAQ section of the race web site at www.baa.org.

Transportation to the Start
The only guaranteed way to get to the start in Hopkinton on race morning is by using the official B.A.A. buses between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. Bus loading will take place at the Tremont St. side of Boston Common in Boston’s Back Bay area. In order to load all the buses efficiently, avoid delays and get to the start on time, we strongly recommend the following bus loading schedule:

TIME WAVE BIB#
6:00–6:45 a.m. 1 1,000–13,999
6:45– 7:30 a.m. 2 14,000+

NOTE: Transportation to the start is for official runners only. Each runner must show his/her bib number upon boarding. We are not able to provide transportation to the start from Boston for family or friends. Limited transportation from Boston to Hopkinton to both parking areas (see below) will be available after the race at no charge. Buses leave from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. from the corner of Stuart and Berkeley Streets. You must show your race number upon boarding.

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PARKING IN HOPKINTON
Parking in Hopkinton is extremely limited. We STRONGLY recommend that all entrants take the official B.A.A. buses from Boston to Hopkinton on race morning, as it is the only way we can ensure that you will get into Hopkinton.

Please note that roads within the town of Hopkinton close at 7:30 a.m. and no street parking will be available.

Limited parking spaces are available at the Industrial Park on South St. and at the Hopkinton State Park on Route 85.

Once these lots are full, we will only allow runner drop-off at the entrance of the Hopkinton State Park and will be prohibiting drop-off near the entrance of the Industrial Park at the base of the Exit 21A ramp off of Route 495 South. Expect delays! Please do not park illegally, as it will jeopardize the transportation system and will result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. There will be no on-street parking allowed in the town of Hopkinton.

Shuttle buses will run from both the State Park and the Industrial Park starting at 6:00 a.m. Official runners being shuttled from the Industrial Park will be brought directly to the Athletes’ Village. Everyone else will be dropped off in the center of Hopkinton.

Directions from Boston to Hopkinton State Park, go West on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Route 9 (exit 12). Follow Route 9 West to Route 85 South.

OR: from Boston, and all other directions, to the Industrial Park on South St., take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Route 495 South to exit 21B.

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ATHLETES' VILLAGE
Buses from Boston will drop you off at Hopkinton High School, where you will be free to enter either section of the Athletes’ Village, a large staging area where you will have time to relax and stretch. Runners may go from one section to another. Entertainment, light refreshments, Poland Spring water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, PowerBar, bagels, tenting, and portable toilets will all be available. Only official runners and credentialed volunteers will be allowed to enter the Village. You must show your bib number upon entering. In an attempt to exit the Village and enter the corrals in an efficient and orderly fashion, runners will be asked to leave the Athletes’ Village according to their assigned wave, bib number, and corral assignment (each corral will contain 1,000 runners), and will be directed down Grove Street to Main Street. Please do not stop along the way. The schedule of release is as follows:

WAVE 1 (blue bibs):
9:10 a.m. Corrals 1– 4
9:15 a.m. Corrals 5–8
9:20 a.m. Corrals 9–13

WAVE 2 (red bibs):
9:45 a.m. Corrals 14–17
9:50 a.m. Corrals 18–21
9:55 a.m. Corrals 22+

NOTE: The above times are approximate and may vary slightly. Please listen for the
announcements.

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BAGGAGE CHECK-IN
Before the race, warm-up clothing may be checked onto buses located just outside the Village (follow signs and instructions). These buses will bring your baggage to the finish in Boston. Affix the baggage label provided to you in your race packet to the plastic bag you received at packet pick-up and give it to the attendant at the appropriate baggage bus on your way to the Start Area. Buses will be clearly marked according to your bib number.

* We will only accept and handle the bag provided to you at Number Pick-up. No other bags or baggage will be accepted.

* Do not check any valuables. Although we will do our best to see that your bag is waiting for you at the end of the race, we are not responsible for lost baggage.

* Baggage not claimed by 6:00 p.m. on race day may be picked up at the B.A.A. office (40 Trinity Place, 4th floor, Boston) during the afternoon of April 22.

* Items not claimed by May 2, 2008 will be given to charity.

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RULES & REGULATIONS

All runners are numbered according to their qualifying times, facilitating a start and pace comparable to others with similar qualifying times. You may not move up to a lower number corral, but you may move back into a higher number corral within your wave, although we encourage all runners to line up in the corral they have been assigned.

Runners will be lined up on Main Street only this year. Follow signs to your particular corral which is located about .7-mile from the Village.

Bib numbers are color-coded. Blue bibs (numbers 1,000 – 13,999), corrals 1 – 13, are assigned to Wave 1. Red bibs (numbers 14,000+), corrals 14+, are assigned to Wave 2. Please start in the corral and the wave you have been assigned to. If you are assigned to Wave 1, you may move back to Wave 2. However, if you are assigned to Wave 2, you may NOT start in Wave 1. Those who do will be subject to penalties and/or disqualification. Additionally, if you choose to move out of your assigned corral, you can only move back in the corrals, not forward.

Bib numbers correspond to starting corrals. Refer to the first digit of your number (the first two digits, if your number is 10,000 or greater) for your assigned corral.

Remain in your assigned area for the benefit of both yourself and other competitors. Please cooperate and play fair.

Measures will be taken to disallow unofficial runners from starting within the official seeded sections. Official runners are asked to assist the marshals by reporting unofficial runners who may have entered a corral.

Cooperate with the marshals at the start & finish.

Runners will not be allowed to warm up in front of the starting line at any time.

Clothing left at the start & finish after the race begins will be donated to charity.

For safety reasons, strollers, in-line skates, skateboards and like vehicles of any kind, animals, and the use of headphones are not permitted.

Violators are subject to disqualification.

We have increased the number of port-o-johns available in the Athletes’ Village and in Colella’s Supermarket parking lot. Please use these units and NOT private property. Trespassing on private property is unlawful and prohibited and will be strictly enforced. Violators are subject to immediate disqualification and possible action by local law enforcement officials.

NOTE: Persons with disabilities will receive additional, special instructions when they pick up their bib numbers.

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BIB NUMBER
Your official race bib number has important information printed on it and, therefore, it is critical for it to be clearly displayed during the entire race.

Do not alter the bib number in any way.

Bib numbers are not transferable.

Folding or covering any part of your bib number may result in disqualification.

No one else may wear your bib number.

Entire number must be visible and pinned to the front of your shirt.

Fill in necessary medical and emergency contact information on the reverse side of your bib number.

A baggage label printed with a number corresponding to your bib number is included in your race packet. Affix the label to the bag provided to you at packet pick-up.

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TIMING & SCORING PROCEDURES
The B.A.A. will use a computer chip timing device, the ChampionChip, as the primary method of scoring the race. This computer chip must be worn on your shoe from Start to Finish in order to be recognized as completing the race and receiving an official finish time. No times are recorded after 4:45 p.m.

Runners will receive a black ChampionChip when they pick up their bib numbers. The chip is approximately one-inch in diameter, virtually weightless, and must be attached to your racing shoe and worn throughout the race. You will receive printed information on how to affix the chip to your shoe when you pick up your bib number. Your ChampionChip identifies your bib number and cannot be worn by any other entrant. All you must do is wear the chip; computers do the rest.

If you plan to use your personal ChampionChip, and have not registered it with the B.A.A., please go to the B.A.A. Solution Center in the Number Pick-up area at the Hynes Convention Center to have it registered.

We will again be using “net” time, not gun time as in the past, for official timing and scoring purposes. Your official time will begin when you cross the start line. This will enable us to provide you with and score you by the net time that it took you to run the 26.2 miles of the race. It is this net time which can be used as your qualifying time for the 2009 Boston Marathon, and it is the time printed on your finisher’s certificate. Prize money will be awarded based on “gun” time.

NOTE: You must return the black chip to volunteers in the Finish Area in order to receive your official finisher’s medal. Volunteers will be available to assist you in the removal of your ChampionChip.

Please Remember...
-your chip on race day.
-not to exchange your chip with another runner.
-that nobody else may wear your chip.
-to secure your chip only to your shoe.
-not to cross the finish line twice.
-not to go back on any part of the race course.

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COURSE AMENITIES

Fluid Replacement
Poland Spring Water and lemon/lime flavored Gatorade Endurance Formula stations will be set up along the course beginning at mile two. Note that the stations are staggered on each side of the road, i.e., the station on the right side will fall immediately prior to a similar station on the left side of the road. This is done to avoid runner gridlock, and we urge runners not to cross over from one side of the road to the other at the water stations.

Energy Food Station
A PowerGel station will be located just prior to the mile 17 fluid station.

Course Clocks and Mile/Kilometer Signage
Digital clocks, positioned at every mile and 5-kilometer mark, indicate the unofficial running time from the 10:00 a.m. start only. Signs on the right side of the road indicate mile and 5-kilometer marks.

Drop out and Course Closure
Runners unable to finish the race may stop for assistance and direction at one of the 26 American Red Cross first aid stations along the course.

Sweep buses pick up runners at every Red Cross station with drop-off at the Finish Area medical tent. Aid stations along the course close at staggered times during the day. Finish area facilities officially close at 4:45 p.m.

Runners still out on the course when officials determine that it is time to re-open the roads (approximately a 15-minute per mile pace) will be instructed to move to the right side of the road. Once roads begin to re-open to vehicular traffic, course infrastructure (such as timing systems, course clocks, medical stations, and water stations) will all begin to be closed and cease operation. Runners on the course after this time accept the condition that they will be on their own and need to plan accordingly. The B.A.A. will have a team of cyclists in the rear of the pack to assist runners who are at or slower than 15-minute per mile pace.

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FINISH
At the Finish, volunteers will direct you to:

Medical support: Complete and staffed medical facilities will be at the Finish. The B.A.A. is not responsible for race-related injuries, and athletes are responsible for individual expenses incurred. Only runners needing medical attention will be to enter the medical area.

Poland Spring Water, Gatorade Endurance Formula.

Heatsheet blankets.

Finisher’s medals (note: you will be required to turn in the black ChampionChip before you receive a medal).

PowerBar, assorted snack foods, fruit, and additional products.

Baggage and dressing areas. No showers are available.

NOTE: As a courtesy to others, please move out of the Finish Area once you have
gathered your belongings.

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HEWLETT-PACKARD® ATHLETE SEARCH
The B.A.A. will broadcast every 5-kilometer split to its web site. Family and friends can track your progress by logging in and entering your name or bib number. The “face” of the Boston Marathon web site will change on race day and the process of how to search will be clear.

AT&T ATHLETE ALERT PROGRAM
This internet based program allows messages to be automatically delivered to any device capable of receiving short messages, such as a digital cellular phone, pager, or email address. Alerts will be broadcast from the 10-kilometer, 1/2 Marathon and 30-kilometer marks, and the Finish, as the runner passes those locations. A general alert will also be sent to all registered devices, announcing the winners of the race.

Beginning March 20th, runners may register up to three wireless devices or email addresses prior to race day, using their competitor bib number, by logging in on the B.A.A. web site: www.bostonmarathon.org. Domain addresses (i.e.: @att.com) for most major carriers can be selected in a drop-down menu. International participants and U.S. participants using a service provider local to your region should contact the carrier to request the proper domain addresses.

We strongly encourage you to register on-line before race weekend to avoid the crowds. If you choose to sign up during race weekend, please bring the three email addresses and/or phone numbers with you. Representatives will be available in the Number Pick-up area at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, Friday, April 18, between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide AT&T Athlete Alert registration assistance.

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FAMILY MEETING AREA
Arrange to meet friends or relatives in the designated Family Meeting Area located on St. James Avenue and Stuart St. from Berkeley St. to Clarendon St. beyond the Finish Area exit. Alphabetically lettered and posted signs will enable parties to meet at the sign with the first letter of your last name.

Remember that getting fluids and refreshments, collecting your bag, returning your black computer chip, and collecting your medal may take considerable time. Please advise your friends accordingly and ask them to be patient.

Due to road closures and traffic congestion, inform your friends that they will be unable to drive vehicles close to the Finish Area.

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RESULTS
All results are unofficial until they appear in the official 111th Boston Marathon Racers’ Record Book.

Complete results will be available following the race via the internet at: www.bostonmarathon.org

The B.A.A. will mail individual result postcards promptly to competitors finishing before 4:45 p.m.

No times are recorded after 4:45 p.m.

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AWARDS

Winners of themen’s andwomen’s divisions receive their olivewreath,medal and Champion’s
trophy at the victory stand from city and state dignitaries immediately after their finish. Awards, courtesy of Long’s Jewelers, are presented at the Awards Ceremony. Awards and prize money for the men’s and women’s open, 40-and-over, and push rim wheelchair divisions will be awarded based on gun time. All other divisions will be awarded based on net time.

PUSH RIM WHEELCHAIRS

TEAMS

Prize money will be awarded to the top 15 finishers overall, top five masters, and top five wheelchair finishers. Only women (open and masters) starting the race in the elite women’s start at 9:35 a.m. are eligible for prize money.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Awards Ceremony
The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston (Grand Ballroom)
138 St. James Avenue, Boston (Dartmouth St. entrance)
Monday, April 21, 5:00 p.m.

Post-race Dance Party
The Roxy and Pearl
279 Tremont St., Boston
Monday, April 21, 8:00 p.m. –12:30 a.m.
Dancing, entertainment and a video of the race will be shown. There will be a cyber
cafe to find race results. A complimentary ticket is included with your bib number.

Additional Tickets
A limited number of additional tickets for both the Pre-race Dinner and Post-race Dance Party may be purchased at the B.A.A. Information Booth at the Hynes Convention Center. Pre-race Dinner: $20 per person; Post-race Dance Party: $15 per person.

No tickets will be available for sale on-site at either event.

Massachusetts liquor law requires that visitors to The Roxy and Pearl be at least 21
years of age.

NOTE: Continuous free shuttle service to and from the Post-race Dance Party will be provided beginning at 7:30 p.m. from the Westin Hotel (Huntington Avenue. under main canopy), Marriott Copley Place (Huntington Avenue.), Back Bay Hilton (Dalton St.), Park Plaza Hotel, The Radisson, Boston Marriott Long Wharf, and Hyatt Regency Boston. No parking is available.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The historic course starts on Main St. in the rural New England town of Hopkinton and follows Route 135 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley to where Route 16 joins Route 135. It continues on Route 16 through Newton Lower Falls to Commonwealth Avenue, turning right at the fire station onto Commonwealth which is Route 30. It continues on Commonwealth through the Newton Hills, bearing right at the reservoir onto Chestnut Hill Avenue to Cleveland Circle. The route then turns left onto Beacon St. continuing to Kenmore Square, and then follows Commonwealth Avenue inbound. The course turns right onto Hereford St. (NOTE: against normal traffic flow) then left onto Boylston St., finishing near the John Hancock Tower in Copley
Square.

Estimated Runner Arrival Time

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MEDICAL INFORMATION
The B.A.A. and the Boston Marathon Medical Team urge all runners to consult their individual physicians when educating themselves about medical issues and risks relating to the marathon. Only a physician who is familiar with your personal medical history, your current health, your medications, and your specific medical condition and risk factors, can advise you as to whether you are fit to run the Boston Marathon safely and the precautions and preparations you should take.

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SERVICES
Hopkinton
Services at the Athletes’ Village handle last minute needs. A full medical staff will be available to answer medical questions or concerns. Band-Aids and Vaseline will be available. We strongly suggest that every runner write down their current or pre-event weight on the back of their bib. This number along with emergency contact information should be completed before you arrive
in the Village. Our medical team will have scales available in the Village Medical Tent, if you have not recorded your pre-event weight on the bib.

On-course
The American Red Cross supplies medical aid stations at 26 locations, strategically located along the course. Each tent is staffed with a variety of medical professionals. Basic first aid is provided. Our Red Cross medical coverage is supported by five hospitals along the route to Boston: Framingham Union, Leonard Morse, Newton-Wellesley, St. Elizabeth’s, and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospitals.

Medical Bus Program
Medical sweep buses are positioned along the route, and pick up athletes at aid and water stations. (Following the last runners, buses pick up athletes between stations, when flagged down). Buses are staffed by medical volunteers who may provide first aid. A runner may rest on
the bus while the bus is parked at a first aid station. However, once the bus begins to move, the
runner’s timing and scoring chip will be removed, after which time the runner may not re-enter
the course to complete the marathon. Medical Sweep buses do not return directly to the finish area. Rather, they may make additional stops along the course to pick up runners.

Finish Line
Medical teams are located at the finish line, and the main medical tent is on Dartmouth Street.
A second tent will be located near Berkeley St. and the Family Meeting Area. Additional members of the medical team are located along recovery zones leading to the Family Meeting
Area. Medical personnel can be identified by their red volunteer jackets: If you are injured or
feeling ill, please seek out a member of the medical team for assistance.

Massage Therapy Services
Massage therapy is offered to the athletes on a limited, first-come first-served basis. Treatments
may last from five to 15 minutes and focus on the specific need at that time. Pre-event massage
is offered inside the Hopkinton Middle School gymnasium at the Athletes’ Village on Monday (race) morning. Post-event massage in Boston is offered at the Dorothy Quincy Suite inside the
John Hancock Building at the corner of Berkeley and Stuart Streets near the Family Meeting Area. Expected wait time for a massage varies with the number of volunteer massage therapists
available at the time.

After you cross the Finish Line
During any prolonged physical activity, the body’s blood supply is usually redirected to the extremities and away from internal organs. Runners should continue to walk after finishing the race. Standing still or stopping can cause you to feel nauseous, dizzy and weak. Walking may help redirect your blood to vital organs, so it is often advisable to keep moving. In any event, if you think you need help, ask one of our medical personnel for assistance.

Medical Expenses
Any medical expenses incurred on race day are the sole responsibility of the runner.

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HYDRATION, DEHYDRATION AND HYPONATREMIA
The B.A.A. and the Boston Marathon medical team have provided each registered runner with a brochure, which accompanies this Welcome Booklet. The brochure, entitled “The Right Way to Hydrate for a Marathon,” has been developed by the American Medical Athletic Association and offers important information relevant to athletes of all abilities. It is important for runners to be
aware that there are many risks involved in running a marathon. It must also be understood that a runner’s susceptibility to a particular risk will depend on a number of different factors, including factors unique to the individual runner. Medical knowledge and medical therapies relating to long distance running are continuing to evolve and develop. For instance, one of the risks which is receiving attention is hyponatremia, and there are studies which indicate that females, runners with a slight build, runners that take over four hours to complete the course, and those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) may be particularly susceptible to this risk. This is usually associated with a weight gain. One suggestion for the runner is to measure their weight pre and post training runs. One should finish a long run at about the same weight or up to 2% below the pre run weight. Changes above or below these levels may predispose to hyponatremia or hyperthermia respectively. It is your responsibility to understand your specific fluid needs and not overdrink before, during or after the event. Unfortunately, no one study is definitive or comprehensive. Therefore, the B.A.A. and the Boston Marathon medical team urge all participants to read publicly available materials and to educate themselves fully about the medical risks associated with running a marathon. Professional recommendations about training, nutrition, hydration and injury-prevention can be found on the following web sites:

www.rrm.com/archive03/042803n2.htm
www.acsm.org/publications/newsreleases2005/Runners Hydrate.htm
www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24034
www.aims-association.org (click on “Medical”)

(These sources and links are not associated with the B.A.A. and the B.A.A. is not responsible for their content. Reference to these sources is informational only and does not indicate endorsement or approval by the B.A.A.)

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WEATHER
Preparing for cold weather
Marathon Monday in New England can be cold and rainy, so runners must dress properly. Approximately 60% of body heat is lost from the head. Please wear appropriate clothing. At the 17-mile mark (entering Newton) when crossing Route 128 and when
descending Heartbreak Hill at 21.5 miles (leaving Newton), you may experience strong, cold, cross winds. If you are certain that you will not need your cold weather clothes, put them on the baggage buses provided, prior to the start in Hopkinton. Change out of wet gear as soon as possible. Heatsheet blankets will be available at the Finish. These blankets help the body retain a limited amount of the body’s own heat, but they are not designed to keep you warm for a significant length of time. Seek out family and friends to assist you. Traditionally, the Family Meeting Area can be cold and windy; a plan to find a post-race support group should be an important part of every runner’s pre-race checklist.

Preparing for warm weather
Occasionally, the weather in April can be warmer than normal, placing runners at risk for heat illness. Further, it is not unusual to experience a warmer than normal day through much of the course, then to experience a much cooler sea breeze approaching Boston, beginning at Mile 20. It is not uncommon for participants to experience both ranges of temperature on the same day. The degree of risk is determined by both heat and humidity. If it is a hot day, but the humidity is low, the dryness of the air enhances the body’s ability to keep body temperature appropriately regulated by the cooling effect of sweat evaporation. However, this occurs at the expense of becoming dehydrated. If the body cannot keep in heat balance by increasing heat loss, the body often responds by decreasing the amount of body heat produced. Simply stated, runners are encouraged to slow down or stop. Failure to do so can result in a rapid rise in temperature to dangerous levels, which may damage the heat regulatory mechanism in the brain. This is heat
stroke, which will result in damage to organs such as the liver, brain and kidneys. The symptoms of impending heat illness include weakness, heat sensation on the upper body, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, a generalized sensation of tingling in the neck and shoulders which can progress to disorientation, profound weakness, and collapse.

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HOW THE BOSTON MARATHON MEDICAL TEAM MAY ASSIST YOU

1. Public address announcements stating the risk of heat illness or hypothermia will be made in
Hopkinton at both the Athletes’ Village and at the starting line. Be aware that extreme weather
changes may occur after the start of the race.

2. Fluids are available before, during and after the race. The medical team suggests that you drink a pint of fluid two hours prior to the start and then take fluids along the course at regular intervals and as needed based on personal experience. Note: medical problems can arise from
excessive (hyponatremia), as well as insufficient, intake of fluids. Both water and Gatorade
Endurance Formula will be available at each aid station along the route. Gatorade Endurance
Formula is a specialized sports drink that contains approximately twice the amount of sodium
(200 mg per 8 ounces) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher, along with chloride, potassium, magnesium
and calcium to help sustain hydration by more fully replacing what is lost in sweat. Gatorade Endurance Formula also contains a 6% carbohydrate solution (14 grams per 8 ounces), just like Gatorade Thirst Quencher, which research shows is optimal to help speed fluid back into the body and fuel working muscles. For more information on hydration, please visit www.gatorade.com/endurance or www.gssiweb.com. Gatorade Endurance Formula will help replace some of these minerals lost during exercise, but will not prevent hyponatremia. If you
feel ill along the course, we strongly recommend that you seek medical attention at one of the
Red Cross First Aid Stations.

3. Twenty six (26) American Red Cross First Aid Stations are located along the route and mobile
emergency vehicles are positioned for transport to major medical centers. Teams of medical personnel are located at the finish line to assist participants in need of attention, and these teams are supported by a larger medical station located just past the finish line at the corner of
Boylston and Dartmouth Streets.

4. If you are feeling ill, and experiencing medical problems, you are strongly urged to withdraw
from the race. Red Cross, local EMS, and buses staffed with medical personnel will pick you up
at any of our Red Cross First Aid Stations or along the route. Participants will be transported to
the Finish Area at the rear of the primary medical tent. In some cases you may be transported
to a local hospital for follow-up care. We ask that you have hospital EMS contact us once you
arrive.

The responsibilities of every participant:

1. Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have a known history of a heart problem regardless of how significant you feel this is (such as mitral valve prolapse), you should obtain a medical consultation from a physician trained in the area of exercise and related heart conditions. If you suffer from exercise induced chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or passing out, you should also consult such a physician before training or running in the marathon. The extremes of this competition place much stronger stresses on the heart than normal daily activities or recreational running.

2. Fill out the Emergency Information, Medical History form, and your pre-race weight on the
reverse of your bib number.

3. Listen and understand the meaning of local weather forecasts. Know the risks of participating
in extreme temperatures of either range and plan accordingly. Both heat-related injuries and hyponatremia are life-threatening conditions. Adjust your race and hydration plans. DO NOT OVER DRINK!

4. Develop and implement your individual plan for hydration. Be prepared to adjust your plan
given the weather conditions and how you are feeling during the race. Learn to judge your fluid
intake by your weight changes with running and in different conditions.

5. If you experience or feel you are about to experience a medical problem, ask for help immediately. It is foolish and dangerous to abuse your body.

6. Help your fellow participants. If you notice a runner in distress, ask if help is needed.When appropriate, obtain assistance from our course medical groups, or local fire, police and EMS personnel.

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AMERICAN RED CROSS AID STATIONS

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Team Registration
Registration deadline is April 4th. Go to www.bostonmarathon.org for more information.

Pre-race: B.A.A. Information Center at Bib Number Pick-up Area
The B.A.A. Information Center will be located in the Number Pick-up area at the Hynes Convention Center, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This will also be the lost-and-found area. An additional Information Kiosk will be located at the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth Streets on Saturday and Sunday.

Race Day: Information Kiosk at Family Meeting Area
On race day, information volunteers at the kiosk near the corner of Stuart and Berkeley Streets will be able to provide spectators and runners with directions to all race-related locations and functions. They will also be able to provide information on the possible whereabouts of official runners on the course, using the Hewlett-Packard Athlete Search system.

Post-race Troubleshooting: B.A.A. Office
40 Trinity Place, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02116; 617-236-1652 after Noon on April 22.

Official Photos: Marathon Foto
Official race photos will be taken by representatives of Marathon Foto, who will be stationed along the course and at the Finish. Proofs will be mailed to participants and will be available for purchase at www.marathonfoto.com

Official DVD: MyMarathonDVD®
MyMarathonDVD will be filming video along the course. Race highlights of you at various locations will be available for purchase atwww.mymarathondvd.com

Live Race Day Broadcast Coverage
Local TV: WBZ-TV; National TV: Versus; Radio: WBZ AM 1030; Online: WCSN.com

Web Site Coverage
www.bostonmarathon.org

Official Merchandise

Official B.A.A. Merchandise will be available for purchase in the Family Meeting Area.

Free Post-Marathon Injury Clinic
Tuesday, April 22 (4:30 –7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 29 (4:30 –7:30 p.m.)

2014 Washington St.
Newton, MA 02462

A multi-disciplinary clinic designed to provide the serious competitor or recreational athlete with
diagnosis and treatment of injuries or illnesses that are the result of participating in the marathon.

You should consider coming to the clinic if:
• You have pain or swelling.
• You’re suffering from blisters, cuts, abrasions or lacerations or from a fall while competing.
• You feel ill or have excessive fatigue as these could be symptoms of dehydration.

Walk-ins are welcome, or call 617-243-6383 to schedule an appointment.

Visit them online at nwh.org/marathonclinic

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