rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="RSS" href="http://baa.org" http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=397 Official Finishers in the 2009 Boston Marathon will receive their Finish Certificates in July, along with the 2009 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Racers' Record Book. These commemorative items become treasured keepsakes by participants and serve as the B.A.A.'s official record for the event. The 114th B.A.A. Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010. Online registration will commence on Wednesday, September 8, 2009. Additional details on entry will be available in July. Thursday, June 11, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=396 UPDATE (JUNE 5, 2009): In the Boston area, the Boston Athletic Association in cooperation with USA Track & Field - New England, offered a mini track meet at the MIT outdoor athletic facility (Cambridge, Mass.). Running icon and four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers spoke to those in attendance with inspirational words, he warmed-up by running a mile with everyone, and he gave those entered in the mile event the thrill of a lifetime by lining up with them and running with them. Many who participated had never run on the track previously. Rodgers stayed and spoke to everyone individually, signed personalized autograph cards and encouraged everyone that they were part of something larger which was happening across the country this day. "All of us here today are now part of something special," said Rodgers. "We're 'the first' at something; there's nothing that's ever been done like this in our sport, and I can see National Running Day really taking off in the coming years. Running is a sport that everyone can do, and running's popularity continues to be on the rise. We hope everyone who came out and participated today will be able to see how rewarding this sport can be." Also, the B.A.A. provided complimentary give-aways on the occasion of National Running Day. Age range: 5-years old (youngest) - 61 years old (oldest) Timeframe: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 3 (National Running Day) Location: MIT Outdoor Track & Field facility (Cambridge, Mass.) Name of event: USATF-NE Mini Track Meet Who: All-comers, highlighted by the attendance and participation of Bill Rodgers Presented in Boston by the Boston Athletic Association and in cooperation with USA Track & Field - New England --------------------------------------------- JUNE 3, 2009 BOSTON, Mass. - On the occasion of the first ever National Running Day, the Boston Athletic Association and USA Track & Field - New England invite runners and non-runners alike to come run with a legend: Bill Rodgers, a 4-time Boston Marathon champion and the sport's most recognizable running figure. In April, Rodgers returned to the Boston Marathon, the race which with he is synonymous, completing the course in 4:06:49. On Wednesday evening June 3 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's outdoor track facility in Cambridge, Mass., the 61-year old icon will lead anyone who wants to run through a mile. This opportunity is on par with playing a game of pick-up basketball with Larry Bird, hitting batting practice with Curt Schilling as pitcher or being paced around Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mario Andretti. In the running world, this could be referred to as a Dream Mile of sorts. National Running Day is a country-wide effort to promote the sport in the United States. Activities will take place in major cities across the country. In the Boston-area, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE are cooperating at a mini track meet at MIT in Cambridge. The meet offers novices and newcomers a chance to try various track events. It also allows parents to introduce the sport to their kids in a low-key atmosphere. The National Running Day web site is: http://www.runningday.org As an added attraction, Rodgers will pace those who want to run a mile in six minutes or faster. For anyone who has ever dreamed of running side-by-side with greatness, this is their chance. Also in recognition of National Running Day, the Boston Athletic Association and USATF-NE have made this a free event for all who want to participate or try an event, including all adults, youths and kids. Sign-up and registration occurs on-site at the event. There is no pre-registration. When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology outdoor track facility Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 What: USATF - New England Mini Track Meet Time Schedule: 6:00 p.m. - Run a Mile with Bill Rodgers (This can also serve as a warm-up for those participating in the meet; participation in the USATF-NE Mini Meet not necessary to Run with Bill Rodgers.) 6:30 p.m. - USATF-NE Mini Meet Begins with competition events 6:35 p.m. - Mile, with special pacing by Bill Rodgers. Rodgers will run at 6:00 per mile pace and all are welcome to join in achieving that goal. To view a complete meet schedule, see: http://www.usatfne.org/track/entry/2009-mini-meet-entry.pdf The USATF-NE Mini Meet at MIT in Cambridge is organized by: USA Track & Field - New England (617-566-7600; office@usatfne.org) USATF-NE is the local New England association of the USA Track & Field. As one of USATF's 57 associations, USATF - New England administers programs in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. With over 3300 members, 120 member clubs, and 400 sanctioned events, the New England association is one of the most active and largest associations in the country. www.usatfne.org for more information Boston Athletic Association Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services. Additional information about the Boston Athletic Association, the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010, and the B.A.A.'s year-round schedule of running events and activities can be found online at www.baa.org Monday, June 01, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=395 National Running Day to Unite the Country Through Events & Activities from Boston to San Diego Major U.S. running organizations to host local events as part of national effort to get Americans moving Boston, Mass. - The United States running industry embarks on an unprecedented unified effort to launch the inaugural National Running Day on Wednesday, June 3, to nationally and locally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. Across the country, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today's most pressing health issues. In the Boston metro area, the Boston Athletic Association and USA Track & Field - New England have joined forces in an effort to promote the sport in a "try it, you'll like it" setting. USA Track & Field - New England presents events for all ages and abilities throughout the year, while the B.A.A. is best known as organizer of the world-renowned Boston Marathon. A fun, low-key track meet is the perfect introduction -- or re-introduction -- to the sport for many who are curious enough to take the first step. What: USATF - New England Mini Track Meet * * *UPDATE* * * Special warm-up for anyone interested (meet participants or not) - come Run a Mile with running legend Bill Rodgers at 6:00 p.m. Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology outdoor track facility Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Time: schedule of events begins at 6:30 p.m. with special warm-up at 6:00 p.m. Organized by: USA Track & Field - New England (617-566-7600; office@usatfne.org) Additional event details will be announced on Monday, June 1, but those interested in the Boston opportunity -- either for themselves or their children -- can find a schedule on http://www.usatfne.org/track/entry/2009-mini-meet-entry.pdf and http://www.usatfne.org/track/index.html Through a grassroots marketing, the foremost road racing and track and field organizations from major U.S. cities -- including Boston, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Little Rock, Denver, Eugene, and San Diego -- in addition to national running organizations USA Track & Field and Running USA, are encouraging Americans of all ages and fitness levels to get out and run by hosting a variety of National Running Day activities, including professional athlete appearances, free running events, group runs, and clinics. This unified effort is aimed at encouraging people to lace up their shoes and invite a friend to join them in experiencing the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of running. "The B.A.A. is proud to be a partner in this national campaign to celebrate the sport of running and its role in leading a healthy lifestyle," said Boston Athletic Association Executive Director Guy Morse. "As caretakers of one of the sport's most preeminent events, we have seen how running can become more than a race and bring communities together. But even if someone will never qualify for the Boston Marathon, running can play an important role in the lives of all Americans." Runners can join in the National Running Day festivities by simply going for a run on June 3, then logging on to the national website and social media resources at runningday.org to download an "I'm a Runner/I Ran Today" Facebook button, interact with other runners, and find complete information. Resources available on the site will include information on local community events with running clubs and retailers, course-mapping tools, training tips, and other running-related information. "This is a day to celebrate the most universal of all sports," said USA Track & Field CEO Doug Logan. "By taking National Running Day into the virtual realm of social networking, we're doing even more to expand that universe. You might be running toward a goal, running with a purpose, or even just running away from your problems. Any reason is a good reason to run, especially on National Running Day." USATF-NE is the local New England association of the USA Track & Field. As one of USATF's 57 associations, USATF - New England administers programs in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. With over 3300 members, 120 member clubs, and 400 sanctioned events, the New England association is one of the most active and largest associations in the country. Boston Athletic Association Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services. Additional information about the Boston Athletic Association, the 114th Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010, and the B.A.A.'s year-round schedule of running events and activities can be found online at www.baa.org. Media Contact: Jack Fleming (617-236-1652, x2627; mobile: 617-459-1587; fleming@baa.org). Monday, June 01, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=394 The 113th Boston Marathon is in the record books, with 22,898 participants finishing the race - the second-highest total ever, after the 100th anniversary edition in 1996. Won be Deriba Merga of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya, the day featured stories that span the globe, thrill the sports fan and warm the heart. A quick look at some of the highlights and milestones: •Last time he came to Boston, in 2006, Merga slowed to a walk in the Newton hills, and eventually dropped out of the race. In this 2009 Boston Marathon, he surged to the lead in those same hills, and went on to a solid victory in a time of 2:08:42. •Salina Kosgei, defending champion Dire Tune and American Kara Goucher battled down Boylston Street to the closest finish in Boston Marathon history, with Kosgei edging Tune at the tape by just one second. Tune collapsed at the line and was transported to a local hospital, but rebounded quickly enough to appear at the 5 p.m. awards ceremony. •The third-place finishes of Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher put an American man and woman in the top three in the same year, the first time since 1985. •Ernst van Dyk of South Africa won the push-rim wheelchair division for the eighth time, tying the legendary Jean Driscoll for most wins by any athlete in the history of the race. He vowed to return in a quest to break the record. Winning the women's division for the third-consecutive year was Japan's Wakako Tsuchida. •Four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers, now 61, ran on Patriots' Day for the first time in a decade - this time finishing in 4:06:49, running with friends. •Patrick Harten, an air traffic controller for the US Airways flight that ditched successfully into the Hudson River last January, wore bib #1549 in honor of that flight number, and ran a personal best of 2:49:19. •The number of female finishers, 9,311, was the most in Boston history. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=393 As the 26,384 entrants make their final preparations, here's a quick look at what to expect on Monday, Patriots' Day. The push-rim wheelchair race gets under way at 9:22 a.m., with the elite women's start at 9:33 a.m., the elite men's and Wave 1 start at 10:00 a.m. and Wave 2 at 10:30 a.m. Will history be made? Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot is looking to become the first athlete ever to win the Boston Marathon four consecutive times. Clarence DeMar, Bill Rodgers, Cosmas Ndeti, Uta Pippig and Fatuma Roba have all tried, but no one in 112 years has yet hit the magic number of four straight. Will this be the year? Not if Ryan Hall can help it, because he will be out to make some history of his own. No American man has won the Boston Marathon since Greg Meyer in 1983, but Hall's credentials as the fastest man in the field give him as good a shot as anyone in a long time. Meanwhile, Kara Goucher will look to become the first American since Lisa Larsen Wiedenbach in 1985 to win on the women's side. And if he wins the push-rim wheelchair division on Monday for the eighth time, Ernst van Dyk will tie Jean Driscoll for the most wins by any athlete in Boston Marathon history. Weather report As of late Sunday afternoon, the forecast calls for partly-cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s at the start in Hopkinton. Winds from the east at 12 mph - a head wind - are forecast for 10 a.m. At noon, it looks to be 50 degrees in Boston. The chance of precipitation is only 20 percent. How to watch the race The Boston Athletic Association has once again partnered with WBZ-TV (CBS owned-and-operated, Channel 4) in Boston to help provide viewers in the local market with the most comprehensive coverage of the American road race. To offer national and global fans a complete viewing of this year's Marathon, the B.A.A. has partnered with Universal Sports. WBZ-TV will offer live coverage from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and Universal Sports coverage will begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 12:30 p.m. Universal Sports will provide a global stream of the race on its website, www.universalsports.com, with Emmy Award-winning broadcasters Al Trautwig and Larry Rawson providing the commentary. Universal Sports also has the national broadcast rights this year, and will air the race live. Visit www.universalsports.com for broadcast information in your area. In addition, the race website, www.BostonMarathon.com, will feature live race-day blogs of both the men's and women's elite races. How to track your favorite runners The AT&T Athlete Alert lets you track the progress of your favorite runners at several points along the course. There are several ways to register: In the first, simply text RUNNER to 41234. You will then receive an SMS text message confirming how to complete registration. Or, register under the AT&T Athlete Alert area of this website. Please note that this method requires that you have an athlete's bib number and date of birth. See the AT&T Athlete Alert section of this website to register. The race-day website, www.BostonMarathon.com, will also offer runner tracking. Visit the site on race day for more information. Sunday, April 19, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=392 <strong>BOSTON, Mass.</strong> - Sunday morning marked the start of a new Boston Marathon tradition: the B.A.A. 5K and Invitational Mile, the latter showcasing both professional and scholastic athletes before thousands of cheering spectators. By all measures, the events were a huge success, adding another facet to what is already the most prestigious weekend in road racing. The series of races began with the B.A.A. 5K. More than 3,500 runners from 36 countries lined up at Copley Square Park on a clear, breezy morning for a 3.1-mile race that passed some of Boston's historic sites, winding around the Boston Common and the Massachusetts State House, down Beacon Hill, and offering the rare chance to fly down the home stretch on Boylston Street and cross the Boston Marathon finish line in a competitive race. At least six past champions of the Boston Marathon ran the 5K, lending a historic aspect to the new event. Following the 5K was the Invitational Mile, a series of four races for scholastic girls, scholastic boys, professional men and professional women. In a fitting tribute to the 113th Boston Marathon set for Monday, the scholastic fields featured young athletes from the eight host cities and towns along the course - Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston. The B.A.A. 5K Jarrod Shoemaker of Sudbury, Mass. and Maria Varela of Brighton, Mass. were the winners of the inaugural 5K titles. Shoemaker, a 2008 U.S. Olympic triathlete who competes for the Boston Athletic Association, finished the course in 14:28.2, edging Matthew Ely, also of the B.A.A., by 30 seconds. Joey Wiegner of Yardley, Pa., finished a close third with a time of 14:58.7 Varela, also a member of the B.A.A. racing team, won her race in 17:36.5, three seconds ahead of Kathy Fleming of Natick and Emily Kroshus of Boston. 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson of Freeport, Maine, finished fourth with a time of 17:42.9. Also competing were past champions Amby Burfoot (1968, 20:37); Greg Meyer (1983, 20:53); Ingrid Kristiansen (1986 and 1989, 22:17); Neil Cusack (1974, 26:57); and Lorraine Moller (1984, 26:58) and women's running pioneer and author Kathrine Switzer (28:37). The professional Invitational Mile Darren Brown of Austin, Texas, and Anna Willard of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. won the first-ever professional Invitational miles. An All-American in both indoor and outdoor track at the University of Texas, Brown finished in 4:11.6. Ian Dobson, a 2008 Olympian in the 5,000 meters and a two-time World Cross Country team member, was a half second behind. Alistair Cragg, a two-time Olympian and seven-time NCAA champion, finished third in 4:12.7. "I think it's fantastic to involve more elite runners in this weekend," Dobson said. "The Boston Marathon is a very elite event and adding something like this involves more of the running community, so I'd love to see it continue." Willard, a 2008 Olympian in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, finished in 4:38.6, beating Olympic 10,000-meter bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan by nearly two seconds. Amy Mortimer, a former assistant coach at Boston College and the 2005 third-place finisher in the 1,500 meters, was third in 4:42.0. The scholastic Invitational Mile Margo Gillis of Newton and Ryan Hardiman of Brookline captured the B.A.A. scholastic Invitational Mile titles. "It was definitely fun, a real good atmosphere," Hardiman said. "I didn't know I was going to win until coming around the last turn. All I wanted do to was go out there and have fun." Hardiman squeaked out his victory over Daniel Hamilton, a Newton senior. All-American Omar Abdi of Boston finished in third place in 4:39.2 Gillis finished the race in 5:10.6 over Newton teammate Carolyn Ranti by nearly four seconds. The pair was part of Newton North's sprint medley relay team that finished third at the 2009 indoor nationals held in Boston last month. Rebecca White, a Natick senior, finished third with a time of 5:17.4. Newton (Gillis, Ranti) and Boston (Abdi, Ahmed Ali) won the team titles. Newton's time of 10.24.7 was 28 seconds ahead of second place Natick. Sunday, April 19, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=390 <strong>Boston, Mass.</strong> - adidas and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) are celebrating their 20-year partnership with a contract extension that keeps the brand as the Official Supplier and Outfitter of the Boston Marathon for years to come. Looking forward, adidas and the B.A.A. will be together for the B.A.A.'s 125th anniversary in 2013, and the historic 125th running of the Boston Marathon in 2021. This year, adidas will again supply the coveted official Boston Marathon jacket and will outfit more than 10,000 race volunteers, media members, medical personnel, race officials and staff. In addition, the extension expands on the adidas role to include exclusive rights to manufacture, distribute, promote and sell B.A.A. branded apparel. "The Boston Marathon is the world's most prestigious road race. Runners of all levels travel to Boston each April to run, cheer or simply watch history being made. As a running brand it is the place to be," said Patrik Nilsson, President, adidas America. "The Boston Marathon is a key platform for us to introduce new products and technologies, and we look forward to more opportunities to build on the traditions surrounding this race with runners and fans alike." When adidas first sponsored the Boston Marathon in 1989, the race had 6,458 entrants; this year it will have 26,400. The B.A.A. and adidas will continue to create comprehensive and proactive community outreach programs to serve and promote sports in the city of Boston. Currently, the two entities partner on programs such as clinics for Boston-area runners throughout the year and the B.A.A. Kid's Relay Challenge, conducted over marathon weekend. "The partnership between the B.A.A. and adidas has strengthened the Boston Marathon in ways that not even we could have predicted," said Guy Morse, B.A.A. executive director. "We have been able to inspire, motivate and create products, events and programs that are consistent with the Boston Marathon's prestige and history. Since we joined efforts in 1989, adidas has been with the B.A.A. and with runners every step of the way." <strong>2009 Boston Marathon Product</strong> adidas running product will be on sale at the adidas booth at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo inside the John B. Hynes Convention Center and at local Boston retailers including Marathon Sports, City Sports, New England Running Company and the Greater Boston Running Company. The full line of product can be purchased online at www.shopadidas.com. * In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original partnership and the running of the 113th Boston Marathon, adidas designed a limited edition B.A.A. Supernova Sequence 2 running shoe. The limited-edition shoe features a unique colorway with the iconic B.A.A. unicorn logo. Only 800 pairs of the shoes were created. The shoes retail for $100 and are available at the Boston Marathon Expo, Marathon Sports, City Sports, New England Running Company, the Greater Boston Running Company and www.shopadidas.com. * All runners should have the chance to show off their accomplishment and adidas and the B.A.A invite them to do that with the Official Race Jacket of the 113th Boston Marathon. Featuring ForMotion apparel technology that optimizes performance and fit, this jacket offers greater comfort and freedom of movement. The ClimaProof lightweight shell allows heat and sweat to evaporate while keeping cold air and wind away from the body. The jacket retails for $90 and is available for men and women. * For the first time, Marathon finishers will have the chance to create a personalized t-shirt after the race through adidas and partner SpreadShirt.com. Finishers can visit the site to select from various colors and styles and also can incorporate the official B.A.A Marathon logo as well as their finishing time on select designs. <strong>About the Boston Marathon</strong> The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification). <strong>About adidas</strong> adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that also includes Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport. Some of the players in adidas' roster of athletes include: Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Jeremy Wariner, Allyson Felix, Shawn Johnson, Candace Parker, Reggie Bush, Tim Duncan, Ryan Howard and David Beckham. Thursday, April 16, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=389 Local and National fans to receive detailed coverage of the April 20 race <strong>BOSTON, Mass.</strong> - More than 20,000 runners will take to the starting line on Monday, April 20 for the 113th running of Boston Marathon. And for those unable to make it to Hopkinton, or any of the other towns along the course's route, a ticket to the race is only a click away. The Boston Athletic Association has once again partnered with WBZ-TV (CBS owned-and-operated, Channel 4) in Boston to help provide viewers in the local market with the most comprehensive coverage of the American road race. To offer national and global fans a complete viewing of this year's Marathon, the B.A.A. has partnered with Universal Sports. WBZ-TV will begin live coverage at 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and Universal Sports' will begin at 9:00 a.m. until 12:30. "We want to offer the fans of these athletes and the Boston Marathon the opportunity to follow the race, mile for mile," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "We value our media partners that help us do that and take pride in knowing spectators all over the world can watch this historical event." WBZ-TV enters its third decade as a Boston Marathon broadcaster and will stream live coverage to New England viewers on its website www.wbztv.com. Two webcams will stream uninterrupted coverage from the finish line and on 'Heartbreak Hill' for regional viewers, while archived footage will be available to all viewers 24 hours after the conclusion of the race. And for the first time, WBZ-TV will use the popular social networking site Twitter to blog live, race day updates as they happen on Marathon Monday. Universal Sports will provide a global stream of the race on its website, www.universalsports.com, with Emmy Award winning broadcasters Al Trautwig and Larry Rawson providing the commentary. Universal Sports also has the national broadcast rights this year, and will air the race live. Universal Sports covers the marathon live on national TV, and streams the entire race worldwide on its website, UniversalSports.com, Emmy Award winning broadcasters Al Trautwig and Larry Rawson will provide commentary of the race. Go to UniversalSports.com to find out where to find Universal Sports in your area. Universal Sports is a 24-hour television channel available in 45 million television households in over 30 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington DC, San Diego, Houston, San Francisco, Denver, Indianapolis and Seattle. It is the preeminent home for major world championship and Olympic qualifying events, providing over 2,000 hours of live event coverage and more than 100,000 hours of programming content delivered online. <strong>Boston Athletic Association</strong> Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. <strong>Universal Sports</strong> Universal Sport, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports in a 24-hour television channel available in 45 million television households in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington DC, San Diego, Houston, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Reno and Omaha. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes though blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.com <strong>WBZ-TV</strong> Boston's WBZ-TV is part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation. Friday, April 17, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=388 <strong>Boston, Mass.</strong> - Bill Rodgers, whose four Boston Marathon victories between 1975 and 1980 helped popularize the sport of marathon running in the United States, plans to be on the starting line in Hopkinton once again on April 20th, the Boston Athletic Association announced today. His bib will read "Rodgers," and his official number will be 79 to honor the 30th anniversary of his 1979 Boston Marathon win. Rodgers, 61, last completed the race in 1996, when he celebrated the 100th Boston Marathon. Then 48, Rodgers ran 2:53:23. "We couldn't be happier that Bill has chosen to run again this year," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "Just the name "Bill Rodgers" brings to mind the true spirit and joy of running the Boston Marathon, from the race champions to the age-group athletes to those running to raise funds for charity. The man is known as "Boston Billy" for a reason." The 113th Boston Marathon will be the 17th for Rodgers, who last year underwent treatment for prostate cancer. His victories came in 1975, 1978, 1979 and 1980. In his first victory here, running for the Greater Boston Track Club, he broke both the course and American records with his time of 2:09:55, despite stopping four times for a drink of water and once to tie his shoelace. He broke the course and American record again in 1979 with his 2:09:27 win. This year, he hopes to complete the race in just under four hours, saying he is not seeking any age group records but just wants to run "for the fun of it." <strong>Boston Athletic Association</strong> Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. Tuesday, April 14, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=387 Milers from eight cities and towns along Boston Marathon course will face off the day before Patriots' Day <strong>Boston, Mass.</strong> - Almost three dozen top scholastic milers will compete in the new B.A.A. Invitational Mile on April 19, the Boston Athletic Association announced today. The young athletes represent Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston - the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon course. "We're proud to give these talented athletes from our host communities the opportunity to compete in a race that concludes at the Boston Marathon finish line," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "We won't call it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, however, because perhaps they will return one day as Boston Marathon champions." The Invitational Mile, to be held in conjunction with the debut of the B.A.A. 5K the day before the 113th Boston Marathon, will also feature separate mile races for professional men and women. Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan, who starred at Marblehead (MA) High School, will headline those fields. Scholastic athletes set to compete include: Hopkinton: Molly Kessler, Kelly Lodge, Dan Carrai and Stephen Lynch Ashland: Hannah Daly, Sarah Poulin, Justin Davis, Brian Donoghue Framingham: Sarah Bowhill, Maria Grandoni, Ben Groleau, Phineas McGovern Natick: Caitlyn MacLellan, Rebecca White, Christopher Jamieson, Nick Zanchi Wellesley: Alison Griswold, Sarah O'Brien, Billy Littlefield, Jeff Pini Newton: Carolyn Ranti, Margo Gillis, Michael Goldenberg, Daniel Hamilton Brookline: Suzy Wang, Dan Bohling, Ryan Hardiman Boston: Elza Lambergs, Kathleen Mello, Omar Abdi, Ahmed Ali The series of races in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile will begin with the girls' scholastic race at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, immediately after the B.A.A. 5K, a new road race that will begin at 8 a.m. The boys' scholastic race will begin at 9:45 a.m., followed by the professional miles. Awards will be given to the top three boys and top three girls in the scholastic races, as well as to the top overall town. The races revive a long tradition for the Boston Athletic Association, which has offered scholastic races as far back as 1890, including the B.A.A. Schoolboy Games that began in the mid-1900s and ran through the early 1970s. The mile will follow a three-loop course, beginning on Boylston Street, left on Dartmouth Street, left on Newbury Street, left on Exeter Street then left onto Boylston. Both the 5K and Mile will begin on Boylston Street near Copley Square Park, and end at the Boston Marathon finish line. Additional information about the B.A.A. Invitational Mile, the B.A.A. 5K, the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association can be found online at www.baa.org. Boston Athletic Association Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. Tuesday, April 14, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=386 Boston, Mass. - Ingrid Kristiansen (Norway, 20th anniversary, 1989), Lorraine Moller (New Zealand, 25th anniversary, 1984) and Neil Cusack (Ireland, 35th anniversary, 1974) will be honored at various festivities during the week leading up to the 113th Boston Marathon, and will once again cross the Boston Marathon finish line - this time as competitors in the debut of the B.A.A. 5K. The 3.1-mile race begins Sunday morning, April 19, at 8 a.m. at Copley Square Park, and will be run on a loop course through the historic Back Bay neighborhood. "We are excited to celebrate the careers of these great athletes," said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. "Kristiansen, Moller and Cusack are each a wonderful reminder of the spirit of the Boston Marathon and the spirit of running as a lifetime sport. It will be a privilege to have them in the field for the first year of our B.A.A. 5K." Each of the champions had spectacular careers with Kristiansen, in 1986, holding the world records simultaneously in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and marathon; Moller winning the bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics; and Cusack, also an Olympian, remaining the only Irishman to have ever won the Boston Marathon. In addition, Kristiansen is among the first class of professional athletes to have won prize money at Boston (1986) and was a charter member of John Hancock Financial's Elite Team, which includes many of the world's premier marathoners. Taking the place of the former Freedom Run, the B.A.A. 5K is limited to 4,000 participants, and only a few hundred spots remain. For more information, or to enter, visit www.baa.org/5k. Immediately following the 5K race will be the new B.A.A. Invitational Mile, a series of four 1-mile races for professional men and women as well as scholastic boys and girls. Olympic bronze-medalist and Boston-area native Shalane Flanagan will headline the professional field. The scholastic participants will represent the eight host cities and towns along the Boston Marathon course: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston. The 113th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, Patriots' Day, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The race follows a 26.2-mile point-to-point route from the town of Hopkinton, Mass., to Boston's Back Bay. This year's race will begin with the Elite Women's Start at 9:32 a.m. Additional information about the B.A.A. 5K, the B.A.A. Invitational Mile, the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association can be found online at www.baa.org. Boston Athletic Association Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services. Monday, March 30, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=385 For first time, top marathoners to have their names on bibs. B.A.A. 5K and B.A.A. Invitational Mile set for Sunday. Boston, Mass. -- The 113th Boston Marathon will take place April 20, just 26.2 days from today. Athletes have entered their final month of training, and both participants and fans are gearing up for an exciting race weekend. While continuing to honor the title of being the world's oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon is introducing several innovations this year to provide spectators and athletes with more excitement while introducing new traditions to race weekend. For spectators, one key difference in this year's marathon will be names on the front bibs of the professional runners. Sponsored by adidas, the exclusive supplier of officially licensed footwear and apparel for the Boston Marathon since 1989, the bibs with names will add a personalized touch to the uniforms of the professional athletes, including first-time Boston Marathon runners Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall, as well as returning champions Robert K. Cheruiyot and Dire Tune. "Names on bibs will be a great addition to this year's race, helping with our effort to better identify the international field of athletes recruited by our principal sponsor, John Hancock Financial" said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. "The bibs will further highlight the elite participants, making them more recognizable along the course for the fans." With the addition of the Boston Marathon, each of the five World Marathon Majors events will feature names of the professional athletes on the race bib. The other four World Marathon Majors events are in London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. On Sunday, April 19, two new events will take place near Copley Square Park. Beginning at 8 a.m., the B.A.A. 5K, a new road race, will take the place of the traditional Freedom Run and offer participants a timed competitive race. With a capacity of 4,000 runners, the 5K already has more than 3,000 entrants. The new event includes part of the route used by the B.A.A. last year when the organization played host to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon. The home stretch and finish line of the B.A.A. 5K are the same as the Boston Marathon, giving participants the thrill of experiencing one of the most spectacular finishes in road running. Fewer than 750 entries remain for this inaugural event. Immediately following the B.A.A. 5K will be the B.A.A. Invitational Mile. Male and female professional athletes, as well as top local scholastic milers, will compete in the mile in a series of four races. Each section of the B.A.A. Invitational Mile also will end at the Boston Marathon finish line. The professional races will be headlined by Marblehead, MA, native Shalane Flanagan, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, while the scholastic races will feature athletes representing the eight host cities and towns along the Boston Marathon course: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston. In addition to sponsoring the bibs, adidas is the official supplier of licensed Boston Marathon apparel. The recently released line, available at www.shopadidas.com, features the official 2009 race jacket and a limited-edition BAA Supernova Sequence, in addition to performance wear, t-shirts and much more. The line also will be available at select specialty retailers and at the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo April 17-19 at the Hynes Convention Center. More information about the weekend's events, the Boston Marathon and the B.A.A. can be found online at www.baa.org. Boston Athletic Association: Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. Wednesday, March 25, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=384 Massachusetts Olympic Medalist, Flanagan, and scholastic athletes to compete day prior to 113th Boston Marathon in new B.A.A. event Boston, Mass. -- Olympic bronze-medalist and Boston-area native Shalane Flanagan will headline the field for a new B.A.A. Invitational Mile on April 19, the Boston Athletic Association announced today. The Invitational Mile, to be held in conjunction with the inaugural B.A.A. 5K the day before the 113th Boston Marathon, will feature mile races for professional men and women, plus mile races for scholastic girls and boys from Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston - the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon course. The races, which will be run criterium-style in the Back Bay, will end at the Boston Marathon finish line. "The B.A.A. Invitational Mile is another event we're excited to add to race weekend this year," said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. "It's a great opportunity to give the young athletes from our host cities and towns the chance to compete on the homestretch of the Boston Marathon course, and we're especially proud to carry on a B.A.A. tradition of hosting scholastic races. Add to that the professional miles and the B.A.A. 5K, and we expect a fun and successful day." The Boston Athletic Association has offered scholastic races as far back as 1890, including the B.A.A. Schoolboy Games that began in the mid-1900s and ran through the early 1970s. In that spirit, it is fitting that Flanagan highlights the professional races: Flanagan was a high-school star at nearby Marblehead (MA) High School. Flanagan brought home the bronze medal at 10,000 meters from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She is only the second American woman to win an Olympic medal at 10,000 meters, after Lynn Jennings's bronze in 1992. The 27-year-old Flanagan also holds four American records on the track, at 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters outdoors and 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters indoors, and has had good fortune competing in front of home-town crowds in Boston: both indoor American marks were set in Boston. The series of races in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile will begin with the girls' scholastic race at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, immediately after the B.A.A. 5K, a new road race that will begin at 8 a.m. The Mile will follow a three-loop course, beginning on Boylston Street, left on Dartmouth Street, left on Newbury Street, left on Exeter Street then left onto Boylston. Both the 5K and Mile will begin on Boylston Street near Copley Square Park, and end at the Boston Marathon finish line. Registration for the 5K is available at www.baa.org; the field is limited to 4,000 runners and is filling up fast. Total prize purse for professional miles is $14,500 divided equally between men and women, including $3,000 for the champion. Additional information about the B.A.A. Invitational Mile, the B.A.A. 5K, the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association can be found online at www.baa.org. Boston Athletic Association Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events, including the B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. Monday, March 16, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=383 Four Past Champions, Course Record Holder, Olympians Lead Field of 29 Athletes for 113th Running BOSTON, MA -In its 24th year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced its elite team of 29 marathon runners set for the 113th running of the race on Monday, April 20. Headlining the field is four time champion and course record holder Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya, defending women's champion Dire Tune of Ethiopia, and former champions Lidiya Grigoryeva of Russia and Timothy Cherigat of Kenya. Challenging the champions are Olympians Ryan Hall, Brian Sell and Kara Goucher of America; Deriba Merga and Gashaw Asfaw of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya, as well as additional Olympians and winners of international marathons. "John Hancock Financial once again has the honor and pleasure of bringing the world's top runners to the Boston Marathon, one of the world's premier road races," said John D. DesPrez III, President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial. "We have an outstanding field led by our defending men's and women's champions, and filled with an outstanding group of runners who will provide them with a worthy challenge. "As we continue to support this great race for the 24th year and fulfill our commitment to the city of Boston and surrounding communities, we are pleased that the Boston Marathon provides such a tremendous positive economic effect on the region, particularly during the challenging economic times that we face now. This race will generate a direct and indirect economic impact estimated at $95 million for Boston and the region." "Our event's principal sponsor, John Hancock Financial, again has assembled a world-class field, providing exciting match-ups and compelling races," said Boston Athletic Association Executive Director Guy Morse. "From Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot going for his fifth victory to U.S. Olympians Ryan Hall, Kara Goucher and Brian Sell carrying the mantle for the Americans, the 113th edition of the Boston Marathon promises first class, competitive races from start to finish and also features a field of 25,000 motivated participants." <b>Men's Open Field</b> Ryan Hall, USA Evans Cheruiyot, Kenya Deriba Merga, Ethiopia Daniel Rono, Kenya Benjamin Maiyo, Kenya Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Kenya Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, Kenya Gudisa Shentema, Ethiopia Gashaw Asfaw, Ethiopia Stephen Kiogora, Kenya Solomon Molla, Ethiopia Timothy Cherigat, Kenya Lee Troop, Australia Elijah Sang, Kenya Brian Sell, USA Grigoriy Andreev, Russia Iaroslav Musinschi, Moldova Abebe Dinkesa, Ethiopia <b>Women's Open Field</b> Galina Bogolomova, Russia Bezunesh Bekele, Ethiopia Salina Kosgei, Kenya Dire Tune, Ethiopia Helena Kirop, Kenya Lidiya Grigoryeva, Russia Atsede Habtamu, Ethiopia Kara Goucher, USA Alice Timbilili, Kenya Shuru Deriba, Ethiopia Elva Dryer, USA <b>About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation</b> John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$405 billion (US$330 billion) as at December 31, 2008. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com. Thursday, March 12, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=382 More than 4,000 area runners expected to compete on day prior to 113thBoston Marathon Boston, Mass. --The Boston Athletic Association announced today plans to host a 5K road race on the day prior to the running of the 113thBoston Marathon. The 5K will offer a fun and competitive course for athletes, and for those who have always dreamed of crossing the Boston Marathon finish line, a non-qualifying chance to do so. "The record closeout for the Boston Marathon registration is a testament to the popularity of the event and we are happy to be able to offer athletes another race in which they can participate in on the same weekend, said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. We look forward to the response and participation of runners in this years 5K, as well as the competition and excitement it will bring to participants and spectators. DATE: The B.A.A. 5K will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2009 TIME: Start 8:00 AM FIELD SIZE: Event limited to first 4,000 who register 5K COURSE: Start on Boylston St. between Exeter and Fairfield Streets, left on Tremont St., left on Park St., left on Beacon St., left on Arlington St., right on Commonwealth Ave., left on Hereford St., left onto Boylston St., finish at marathon line. ENTRY FEE: $40.00 non-refundable, online only MINIMUM AGE: 10 years old ONLINE REG. Online registration at www.baa.org begins Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 10:00am. It is anticipated that the race will close out quickly. ADDL HIGHLIGHTS: * Finish at the actual BAA finish line on Boylston Street * Seating for 3,000 spectators SANCTIONED BY: USATF NUMBER PICK UP: Friday, April 17th from 2:00 PM - 7:00PM, Hynes Auditorium, Boston Saturday, April 18th from 9:00AM 6:00PM, Hynes Auditorium, Boston AWARDS: Top three in each age division (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+). The 113th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, Patriots' Day, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The race follows a 26.2-mile point-to-point route from the town of Hopkinton, Mass., to Boston's Back Bay. This years race will begin with the Elite Women's Start at 9:32 a.m. Additional information about the B.A.A. 5K, the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association can be found online at www.baa.org. Monday, March 02, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=381 B.A.A. BOSTON MARATHON® TRAINING CLINIC at Marathon Sports (Boston store location), presented by the B.A.A. and adidas. * * * Monday Evening, February 23 * * * Free and open to entrants in the Boston Marathon® and their guests. Clinic will take place at: Marathon Sports - Boston 671 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Telephone: 617-267-4774 20% off adidas products Free Gift With Purchase of adidas footwear and apparel Gift With Try On offered on adidas products Monday, February 23 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Exclusive shopping experience - adidas footwear and apparel with discount and personal service. Complimentary snack and beverages provided. 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. PRESENTATION followed by Q&A and raffles. PRESENTATION PART I Chris Hollis and Michael McGrane of adidas Running, will preview the exclusive line of 2009 Boston Marathon apparel. Be the first to see part of the 2009 Boston Marathon apparel line! Michael and Chris will show why the world's best athletes run in adidas apparel, and why it is right for you! PRESENTATION PART II Carl Faust, PT, MS Rehabilitation Manager and Director of Newton-Wellesley Hospital's Rehabilitation Services Carl will discuss injury prevention, as well as how to respond when you do get injured. He'll also concentrate on getting you to the starting line fit and healthy. Don't miss these mid-winter tips! Though not required, for our planning purposes please let us know if you intend to come by sending an email to train@baa.org. Guests are welcome. Call 617-778-1631 with questions. Come to one clinic or come to all of them. Every clinic you attend puts you in the running for the grand prize raffle which will be chosen at the final clinic. Grand prize provided by JetBlue Airways, Official Sponsor of the Boston Marathon. Clinics will also be held on Monday, March 23 and Monday, April 6. Saturday, February 21, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=380 2008 Chicago Winners, Olympians, and Additional Talent Join the Elite Team to Challenge Defending Champions BOSTON, MA, February 19, 2009- John Hancock Financial today announced that the top contenders for the Boston Marathon this year include an elite group of Olympians, top Americans and international marathon winners. These athletes will challenge four-time winner Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and defending women's champion Dire Tune of Ethiopia at the 113th running of the race on April 20. The top male contenders include 2008 Chicago champion Evans Cheruiyot of Kenya, Olympian and 2009 Houston winner Deriba Merga of Ethiopia, and top American and Olympian Ryan Hall. Evans Cheruiyot ran to a 2:06:25 commanding lead in an unseasonably hot Chicago this past fall and in 2007 won the Milan City Marathon in his debut. Merga shattered the 20-year-old Houston course record by more than two minutes in January, and he placed fourth in the Beijing Olympic Marathon. Hall's efforts last year included a 2:06:17 run in London and a tenth place in the Olympic Marathon. He is the American half-marathoner record holder and currently the fastest American marathoner. Added to John Hancock's elite team and chasing the trio are Daniel Rono of Kenya, with seven top-three finishes in international marathons, including third in New York City last year; Robert Kiprono (Cheruiyot) of Kenya, who debuted last year with a 2:07:21 course record in Frankfurt and Gashaw Asfaw of Ethiopia, who was first in Shanghai, seventh at the Olympic Marathon and fourth in Boston in 2008. American Olympian Brian Sell will also challenge, as will American Jason Lehmkuhle. Sell has experience in Boston, having finished fourth in 2006, and Lehmkuhle brings potential with a fifth at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Additional men returning with experience are 2004 Boston champion Timothy Cherigat and 2007 third place finisher Stephen Kiogora, both of Kenya. Newcomers on the course include 2008 JoongAng Seoul Marathon winner Solomon Molla of Ethiopia, Lee Troop of Australia, and debut marathoner Abebe Dinkesa of Ethiopia. In the women's race, defending champion Dire Tune of Ethiopia will face 2008 Chicago and 2007 Boston champion Lidiya Grigoryeva of Russia, as well as her teammates Galina Bogolomova, the Russian national record holder (2:20:47), and Olympic steeplechaser and World Championships silver medalist Tatyana Petrova. Also in contention for the win are 2009 Dubai winner Bezunesh Bekele of Ethiopia, seasoned marathoner and Olympian Salina Kosgei of Kenya, and leading American Kara Goucher. In New York City this past fall, Goucher ran the fastest American debut of all time recording a 2:25:53 over the challenging course. She also competed in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the Beijing Olympic Games, finishing ninth and tenth respectively. Chasing these women are Helena Kirop of Kenya, third in Berlin the past two years; Atsede Habtamu of Ethiopia, runner up in her debut in Dubai this year; Alice Timbilili of Kenya and American and two-time Olympian Elva Dryer. John Hancock, now in its 24th year as the major sponsor of the Boston Marathon, will announce its complete international elite team in March. About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$405 billion (US$330 billion) as at December 31, 2008. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com. Thursday, February 19, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=379 BOSTON, Mass. January 27, 2009-John Hancock Financial, in its 24th year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, today announced the return of four-time champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya and women's winner Dire Tune of Ethiopia for the 113th running of the race on April 20. "I'd like to thank John Hancock for inviting me back to race in Boston again," said Cheruiyot. "Boston is one of my favorite races, and I am training as hard as I can to try to win for the fifth time if possible and run my best time." The winner in 2003 and 2006-08, Cheruiyot is the youngest man and first Kenyan to win four Boston Marathons. Last year, he won the race after surging off the Newton hills and away from his competitors. He crossed the finish line in a commanding lead, just 32 seconds off his 2006 course record of 2:07:14. In a memorable 2007 race, Cheruiyot battled the remnants of a stormy Nor'easter to claim his third win and secure the inaugural World Marathon Majors Series title. The series, now entering its third two-year cycle, brings together the best athletes in the world to compete in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Cheruiyot shares the honor of at least four Boston wins with Gerard Cote and Bill Rodgers (4 wins each) and Clarence DeMar (7 wins). He is also the only man to win marathons in Boston and Chicago in the same year (2006) and was the 2002 Milan City Marathon champion. Boston's 2008 women's champion, 22-year old Dire Tune of Ethiopia, prevailed in the tightest race in Boston Marathon history last year as she found herself ahead of former champions Lidiya Grigoryeva and Rita Jeptoo. With great resolve, Tune triumphed in a back and forth duel over the closing miles with Russian Alevtina Biktimirova to win by two seconds in 2:25:25. "Since I was a young girl, I always dreamed to come and compete in the Boston Marathon," said Tune. "My dream came true not only to come to Boston, but to win. Now I have an unbelievable determination to defend my title. Boston has become a special place for me, and I thank the sponsor John Hancock for the opportunity." In 2008, Tune also won the Houston Marathon, established the world record for the One Hour Run (18.517km), finished 15th at the Beijing Olympic Marathon, and placed seventh in New York City. She is also the 2007 Houston Marathon winner and the 2006 Hong Kong Marathon winner. "We are proud that both of our defending champions have chosen to return for the 113th Boston Marathon," said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. "No one can forget Dire's sprint to victory in 2008, and of course Robert will be looking to make history, so fans can expect an exciting race from both of these champions." "Throughout our 24 year sponsorship, John Hancock Financial has had the honor and pleasure of bringing to the Boston Marathon each year many of the world's top runners like Robert and Dire. Having the world's best here year after year ensures that the Boston Marathon remains one of the world's premier road races," said John D. DesPrez III, President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial. "We are very excited for Robert as he goes for his fifth Boston victory and his fourth in a row. We are equally pleased to have Dire back after providing us with the most exciting finish to the women's division in the history of the race. "As we once again fulfill our promise to the city of Boston and surrounding communities to support this great race, we are very pleased that the Boston Marathon can provide such a tremendous positive economic effect on the region, particularly during the challenging economic times that we all face now. This race will generate a direct and indirect economic impact estimated at $95 million for Boston and the region." About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$385 billion (US$364 billion) as at September 30, 2008. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com. The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com. Tuesday, January 27, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=378 Registration for the 2009 Boston Marathon has closed as the race has reached its capacity. The Boston Marathon does not have a waiting list, late registration on race weekend, or race day registration. The names of all official entrants are published on the B.A.A. web site. Please note that bib numbers are not transferable. Those attempting to transfer their bib numbers, as well as those in receipt of a transferred entry, will be disqualified. The 114th Boston Marathon will be run on Monday, April 19, 2010; the B.A.A. tentatively plans to begin accepting applications for the 2010 race in September 2009. Qualifying times obtained after September 27, 2008, can be used to compete in the 2010 Boston Marathon. Monday, January 26, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=377 B.A.A. BOSTON MARATHON® TRAINING CLINICS at Marathon Sports (Boston store location), presented by the B.A.A., adidas and Marathon Sports. * * * Monday Evenings * * * Monthly Clinics in January, February, March and April. Monday evenings: January 26; February 23; March 23; and, April 6. Free and open to entrants in the Boston Marathon®. All clinics will take place at: Marathon Sports - Boston 671 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Telephone: 617-267-4774 A Special Offer From adidas, official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Boston Marathon. Spring '09 adidas Footwear & Apparel 20% off adidas products at each clinic. Free Gift With Purchases of adidas footwear and apparel at each clinic. Gift with Try On offered on adidas products at each clinic. 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Exclusive shopping experience - adidas footwear and apparel with discount and personal service. Complimentary snack and beverages provided. 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Presentation followed by Q&A and raffles. Monday, January 26 - Clinic Series Kick-Off Boston Marathon Training, with Boston Athletic Association Head Coach Michael Pieroni: Setting race goals, planning your workouts, getting to the starting line healthy and fit. Though not required, for our planning purposes please let us know if you intend to come by sending an email to train@baa.org. Guests are welcome. Call 617-778-1631 with questions. Monday, February 23 - Footwear and Apparel Monday, March 23 - Injury prevention and injury treatment Monday, April 6 - Special Guest Speaker Come to one clinic or come to all of them. Every clinic you attend puts you in the running for the grand prize raffle which will be chosen at the final clinic. Grand prize provided by JetBlue Airways, Official Sponsor of the Boston Marathon. Marathon Sports - Boston 671 Boylston St. in Boston's Back Bay (All B.A.A. Boston Marathon® Clinics will take place at the Marathon Sports - Boston store location). If you wish to be removed from our email notification list or if you have any questions about the B.A.A. Boston Marathon clinics, please let us know by sending an email to Train@baa.org Contributing Clinic Series Sponsors: PowerBar, Gatorade Thirst Quencher, Poland Spring, JetBlue Airways Friday, January 23, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=376 Boston, Mass. - The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that entries for the 113th Boston Marathon, to be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, are pacing 20% ahead of the same time last year. As of January 9, 2008, there were 14,333 participants registered for the 2008 Boston Marathon. The number of entrants currently registered for the 2009 Boston Marathon is 17,772. The B.A.A. did not increase the entry fee for the 2009 Boston Marathon, and the field size limit remains at 25,000 entrants for the second consecutive year. With the 2008 Boston Marathon having reached its maximum by February, qualified runners looking to participate in the 2009 race are encouraged to submit their registration quickly to avoid being shut out of the competition. "It's an exciting time for the B.A.A. and the sport of running, even in this challenging economic climate," said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy Morse. "To qualify for the Boston Marathon takes a commitment to one's training and dedication to a fitness regimen. Anyone who has qualified and intends to run next year's Boston Marathon should enter now while space remains available. We anticipate reaching our maximum field size again well in advance of the 2009 race." To register for the 2009 Boston Marathon, please visit the official Boston Marathon web site at www.bostonmarathon.org. Friday, January 09, 2009 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=375 <b><i>Olympian and World Championship Medalist Kara Goucher Seeks American Win; Joins Olympian Ryan Hall on John Hancock Elite Team</i></b> BOSTON, MA, (Tuesday, December 16, 2008)-In its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the signing of Olympian and World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher for the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009. Internationally accomplished on the track, Goucher's debut in the marathon this past November fulfilled all expectations. Her 2:25:53 third place performance in New York City, set a number of American women's marathon records: the fastest debut ever, the fastest time ever run on the course, and the fastest time of 2008. With those credentials, Goucher is poised for a top finish in Boston, where the last American winner was Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach in 1985, and before her Joan Benoit in 1983. "I could not be more excited to participate in the 2009 Boston Marathon on the John Hancock Elite Team," said Goucher. "As an American, Boston is an incredible opportunity to run a Major Marathon. The race has a history like no other and it's legacy spans generations. I am so thankful to continue my journey toward my goal of becoming the best runner in the world here in the United States." With Boston champion Alberto Salazar as her coach, Goucher is certain to learn how to manage the difficult course, as did Salazar in his famous 1982 course-record duel with Dick Beardsley. "Coach Salazar will guide me to be ready to tackle the course, and the infamous Heartbreak Hill," added Goucher. "Winning Boston is my next big challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage." The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials winner in the 5,000m and runner up in the 10,000m, Goucher went to the Beijing Olympic Games and in one of the hardest doubles on the track, finished ninth in the 5,000m and 10th in the 10,000m (30:55.16). At the 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, she won the bronze medal in the 10,000m, becoming the first American to ever medal in that event. On the roads, in her first half marathon, Goucher handed world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain a rare defeat by winning the 2007 Great North Run in 1:06:57, one of the fastest times in the world. "Kara Goucher will add a new level of excitement to the 2009 Boston Marathon. Not only is she a dynamic competitor but her coach, Alberto Salazar, knows all about winning in Boston," said Executive Director Guy Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association. "With Kara joining Ryan Hall on the John Hancock Elite Team, the 113th Boston Marathon will feature not only two of America's finest athletes but two of our sport's top young stars. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside the best marathon runners from around the world." A 2001 University of Colorado graduate and seven-time All American, the 30-year old Goucher grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. Married to professional runner and Olympian Adam Goucher for the past seven years, the couple trains with the Nike Oregon Project and resides in Portland, Oregon. The Gouchers continue to help support and promote running on the national youth level. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=374 <b><i>Olympian and U.S. Trials Champion Ryan Hall seeks American win in Boston</i></b> BOSTON, MA, November 18, 2008-In its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the signing of Olympic marathoner and American half marathon record holder Ryan Hall for the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009. The fastest American marathoner in 2007 and 2008, Hall has quickly proven himself as one of the best distance runners in the world. He seeks to become the first American winner of the race since Greg Meyer in 1983. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to compete on the John Hancock elite team at the 2009 Boston Marathon," said Hall. "The Boston Marathon is the grand daddy of the World Marathon Majors, to win here would mean as much to me as winning any marathon in the world, including the Olympic Games. To win in Boston would show the world that American distance running is indeed back to the days of Salazar, Beardsley, and Rodgers. I hope that I can contribute to bringing American marathoning back to the forefront. There is no better place to do that than Boston. What is done in Boston lives on for all time." A 2005 Stanford graduate and three-time All American, Hall quickly found his greatest potential on the roads. In late 2006, he set the American 20K record at the World Championships and in early 2007 broke the 21-year old American half marathon record at the U.S. Championships. His 59:43 win marked the first time an American had ever broken the one-hour barrier. Turning to the marathon, Hall made his debut on the London course in 2007 and stayed with the African leaders until the final miles. His 2:08:24 was the fastest debut ever by an American. A few months later at the U.S. Olympic Trials, he set a course record as he cruised to a nearly two-minute lead over one of the best U.S. fields ever assembled. Continuing his meteoric rise Hall returned to London in advance of the Olympics and ran a remarkable 2:06:17, making him the second fastest American of all time. At the Olympics Hall placed 10th, and although he had some disappointment in that showing, he is young and eager to build on his potential. "Ryan's Boston Marathon debut will be a highly anticipated performance throughout the sports world," said Executive Director Guy Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association, which oversees the race. "As an American Olympian recruited by our principal sponsor John Hancock Financial, his commitment to race in Boston, combined with his record of outstanding performances are indicators that he will add great excitement to the 113th Boston Marathon as he challenges some of the world's best athletes on the world's most famous course." Hall is married to professional runner Sara Bei Hall and the couple resides in Mammoth Lakes, California. The Halls are active with charitable groups such as Team World Vision. They worked on a campaign this year, "More Precious than Gold," that raised nearly a million dollars to help bring clean water wells and irrigation systems to poor communities in Zambia. Tuesday, November 18, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=373 <b><i>Mary Cullen, Jacob Korir triumphant in championship races</i></b> BOSTON, MA - A record field of more than 1,000 entrants and a course-record run by Mary Cullen (IRL / Providence, RI) highlighted the 19th edition of the Mayor's Cup Cross Country Races, presented by the Boston Athletic Association and adidas, and directed by USATF-New England and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families. Overnight rains didn't discourage anyone from making the trip to Boston's Franklin Park, site of the 1992 World Cross Country Championships. As more than 300 kids, ages 14 and under, took part in the morning slate of youth races, the rain and clouds gave way to sunny, blue skies. Next on the schedule was the Franklin Park 5K, open to men and women of all ages and ability levels. The fastest-growing of the Mayor's Cup events, the Franklin Park 5K boasted 280 finishers this year, up from 187 a year ago. Leading the charge was Jordan Hamm, a senior from Canisius High School in Buffalo, NY. Hamm trailed Omar Aden and Ahmed Ali--high school teammates from Charlestown, MA--through a 5:00 opening mile. By two miles, passed in 10:19, the threesome had broken away from the rest of the field. Hamm then used the final mile to pull into the lead, holding on for a 2-second victory over Aden. Brandeis grad Caitlin Malloy recorded a comfortable 37-second victory in the women's division. In the Women's Championship 5K, two-time defending champ Aziza Aliyu (ETH / Westchester, NY) of the Westchester Track Club was looking to become the first woman to win three straight Mayor's Cup titles. Yet despite running faster than she had in either of her victories, Ayilu found herself chasing former Providence College star Mary Cullen (IRL / Providence, RI) from the gun. Cullen, the runner-up here in 2005, led the pack through one mile in a brisk 5:07, and by two miles she was alone in front. By the time she broke the finish tape in 16:08, Cullen wasn't just 28 seconds ahead of runner-up Ayilu, she was also 14 seconds under the meet and course record set by Kathy Franey in 1997. Cullen is preparing for the European Cross Country Championships in Belgium, where she will represent her native Ireland. In the Men's Championship 8K a large pack, which included 2006 champ Stephen Chemlany (KEN / Westchester, NY), passed through one mile in 4:35 and two miles in 9:35. By four miles, reached in 19:35, Jacob Korir (KEN / Richmond, KY) had emerged at the front, and shortly after that he surged away from Sean Burris, Ben Rosario, and the rest of the lead group. Korir, a three-time NCAA All-American during his recently-completed senior year at Eastern Kentucky University (sixth in cross country in 2007 and third at 5,000m and fourth at 10,000m in 2008), was unopposed over the closing mile of the race, breaking the tape in 23:54, 10 seconds ahead of runner-up Burris. The Westchester Track Club and New Balance Boston captured the men's and women's team titles, respectively. <b>2008 Mayor's Cup Champions: 10-and-under 1.1-mile</b> Boys: Jeremy Taylor (Waltham TC) 6:56 Girls: Leah Brams (Waltham TC) 7:18 <b>11-12 1.1-mile</b> Boys: Jeremy Alley-Tarter (Nitehawks SC) 6:11 Girls: Julia Kern (Waltham TC) 6:37 <b>13-14 1.1-mile</b> Boys: Daniel Ewart (Granite State Flash) 5:44 Girls: Robin Gross (Waltham TC) 6:30 <b>Franklin Park 5K</b> Men: Jordan Hamm 15:57 Women: Caitlin Malloy 19:09 <b>Women's Championship 5K</b> Mary Cullen (Reebok) 16:08 (Course Record*) <i>*Old course record: 16:22, Kathy Franey (1997)</i> <b>Men's Championship 8K</b> Jacob Korir (RIADHA) 23:54 Sunday, October 26, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=372 <b><i>Online and race-day registration remain open for interested runners</i></b> BOSTON, MA - With 800 participants per year, the Mayor's Cup at Franklin Park in Boston continues to be one of the nation's top open cross country events. This year's event will be held on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The event is presented by the Boston Athletic Association and adidas, and directed by USATF-New England and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families. The Mayor's Cup offers races for all ages and abilities. Kids can take part in one of three youth events, designed for ages 10-and-under, 11-12 and 13-14, and held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Next on the schedule is the Franklin Park 5K, an open race for men and women of all ability levels, at 10:50 a.m. Then, at 11:30 a.m. and noon, respectively, will be the Women's Championship 5K and Men's Championship 8K for the top athletes. Headlining the championship races are 2006 men's champion Stephen Chemlany (Westchester, NY / KEN) and two-time defending women's champion Aziza Ayilu (Westchester, NY / ETH), both of the Westchester Track Club. Looking to challenge Chemlany for the men's title will be Houston University alum Stephen Magness (Chino Hills, CA), who owns a PR in the mile of 4:01.02, and North Carolina State alum Stephen Furst (Raleigh, NC). Furst was an NCAA Southeast Region all-regional selection in cross country in 2006. Ayilu will face a deep and experienced women's field as she attempts to become the first woman or man to win three consecutive Mayor's Cup titles. Samia Akbar (Herndon, VA) is coming off an 18th-place finish at last April's U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women's Marathon in Boston, and she has twice placed fourth in the Mayor's Cup (2005 and 2006). Mary Cullen (Providence, RI / IRL), runner-up in 2005, and Maureen McCandless (Syracuse, NY), fourth last year, both return looking to improve on their best Mayor's Cup placings. Newcomers Barbara Parker (Tallahassee, FL / GBR), a 2008 Olympian and British record-holder in the steeplechase, and Jess Minty (Blowing Rock, NC), a Division III cross country All-American while at Colby College, will also look to challenge Ayilu. The Mayor's Cup is open to the public, and race-day registration is available until the start of the races. Proceeds from the event are used to maintain Franklin Park. Full results and a race report will be available at www.baa.org on Sunday afternoon. <b>Sunday's schedule of events:</b> 10:00 a.m. Boys' & Girls' 10-and-under 1.1-mile 10:15 a.m. Boys' & Girls' 11-12 1.1-mile 10:30 a.m. Boys' & Girls' 13-14 1.1-mile 10:50 a.m. Franklin Park 5K 11:30 a.m. Women's Championship 5K Noon Men's Championship 5K <b>Past Mayor's Cup Champions</b> Year Men Women 2007 Girma Tola (Westchester TC) Aziza Ayilu (Westchester TC) 2006 Stephen Chemlany (Westchester TC) Aziza Ayilu (Westchester TC) 2005 Jarrod Shoemaker (B.A.A.) Kim Smith (Reebok) 2004 Mark Carroll (adidas) Atalelech Keteme (Westchester TC) 2003 Keith Kelly (New Balance) Kate O'Neill (Nike) 2002 Keith Kelly (New Balance) Kristin Chisum (New Balance) 2001 Sandu Rebencuic (U.S. Army) Priscilla Hein (Indiana Invaders) 2000 Francis Kirwa (Life University) Sarah Dupre (B.A.A.) 1999 Sammy Nyamongo (Life University) Christine Junkermann (adidas) 1998 Francis Kirwa (Life University) Lesley Lehane (B.A.A.) 1997 Silah Misoi (Life University) Kathy Franey (Nike International) 1996 Silah Misoi (Life University) Kate Fonshell (ASICS) 1995 Seamus McElligott (ASICS) Lynn Jennings (Nike International) 1994 Abidi Bouazza (Westchester TC) Lynn Jennings (Nike International) 1993 Brad Schlapak (NYAC) Carmen Troncoso (Nike Texas) 1992 Brad Schlapak (NYAC) Kathy Franey (Reebok Racing) 1991 Andy Ball (Nike Running Room) Gwyn Coogan (Nike Boston) 1990 Michael Baugh (HFC Striders) Michelle DiMuro (Reebok Racing) <b>Past Mayor's Cup Team Champions</b> Year Men Women 2007 Boston Athletic Association RIADHA/Shoes 4 Africa 2006 Westchester Track Club Westchester Track Club 2005 Boston Athletic Association Westchester Track Club 2004 Boston Athletic Association Boston Athletic Association 2003 Boston Athletic Association Boston Athletic Association 2002 Bryn Mawr Running Club Boston Athletic Association 2001 Boston Athletic Association Indiana Invaders 2000 Reebok Boston Boston Athletic Association 1999 Life University Syracuse Chargers 1998 Reebok Enclave Boston Athletic Association 1997 New Balance ASICS Club East 1996 New Balance Boston Running Club 1995 Life University Boston Running Club Thursday, October 23, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=371 <b><i>3,702 finishers sets new record for eighth annual event</i></b> Boston, MA -- With foliage around Boston signaling the arrival of fall and temperatures in the mid-50s, a record field enjoyed perfect running weather this morning for the Eighth Annual B.A.A. Half Marathon, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. In total, 3,702 runners completed the 13.1-mile loop of Boston's famed Emerald Necklace park system. Leading the way was one of the most talented elite fields the race has ever seen. The men's race featured a host of new faces, including Charles Munyeki (KEN), who ran 59:44 earlier this year, making him the 10th-fastest man in the world for 2008. Joining Munyeki in the field was his training partner, countryman, and the man who defeated him at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon just seven days earlier, Gilbert Okari. Following a cautious opening mile of 5:07 and a quick 4:44 second mile, the lead pack consisted of four men: Munyeki, Okari, their training partner James Koskei (KEN), and Karim El Mabchour (MAR). That group stayed intact through seven miles when Munyeki and Okari began to ease away. Koskei was the first to fade, in the eighth mile, then El Mabchour faltered during the ninth. By mile 10 the two training partners had a 14 second lead on third place. Though the race was decided in a final sprint toward the finish on Roberto Clemente Field, with Munyeki surging ahead to break the tape, he knew much earlier that the race was in hand. Asked when he knew he had won, Munyeki said, candidly, "During the last mile. I knew it then." Though just 22 years of age, Munyeki has already proven himself to be a master of the half marathon distance. "I felt very good," he said after today's effort. "It was very easy." Following the race, Okari confessed that he is not yet accustomed to the half marathon. Though he has won many of the top 10K and 12K road races on the U.S. circuit, Okari was competing at the half marathon distance for just the third time. In addition, he was still recovering from a knee injury which was aggravated by the hills and turns on today's course, forcing him to hold back. "My body's not used to the half marathon," he said. "It will take me time." Just as Munyeki became the event's youngest male champion, Azalech Masresha (ETH)--just 20 years old--became the youngest female champ ever. Though still relatively new to the sport (she began running at the age of 16), Masresha showed her half marathon talents early, running 1:11:59 as a 19-year-old. Today, however, she had to prove herself against a talented field. Six women quickly separated themselves from the pack in the first mile, with Masresha a constant presence at the front. She led through miles three, four, five and six, but none of her rivals faltered until the eighth mile, run in 5:11 (the fastest of the day). Slowly, Masresha and Irene Limika (KEN) began to pull away, trailed closely by Neriah Asiba (KEN). Like the men, the women needed every last meter to determine a winner. Masresha was only able to separate herself from Limika in the final strides, as the two crossed the line less than one second apart. The pair's times of 1:11:44 and 1:11:45 were the third and fourth fastest ever run on this course. Six women ran faster than last year's champion, Edna Kiplagat (1:13:36). Kathy Newberry (Williamsburg, VA), third last year in 1:16:44, improved by three minutes yet fell to seventh place. A simple "Yes," was Masresha's response when asked if she was surprised to have defeated such a strong field. "It's a hilly course--not an easy course. I'm happy that I won." While newcomers were victorious in the men's and women's races, familiar faces triumphed in the wheelchair division. Tony Nogueira (Glen Ridge, NJ) moved quickly to the lead in the opening mile, aggressively attacking the first half of the course, which runs gradually uphill. He could sense his challengers close behind, though. "The competition was good [today], it kept me going," he said. He ultimately broke the tape in 53:07, tying his own course record, set in 2004. Nogueira's win was his fourth at the B.A.A. Half. He also won in 2003, 2004, and 2007. Joining Nogueira on the victory stand was women's course record holder Laurie Stephens (Wenham, MA), the 2003 and 2004 B.A.A. Half Marathon champ. Stephens cruised to a comfortable seven minute, 15 second victory over defending champion Jacqui Kapinowski (Point Pleasant, NJ), finishing in 1:17:00. The event's presenting sponsor, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, has raised $1.4 million over the past five years at the B.A.A. Half. With 334 runners taking part in the race today, they hoped to exceed last year's fund raising total of $377,000. TOP MEN 1. Charles Munyeki (KEN) 1:02:46 $5,000 2. Gilbert Okari (KEN) 1:02:48 $3,000 3. Karim El Mabchour (MAR) 1:03:42 $1,500 4. James Koskei (KEN) 1:04:48 $1,000 5. Abraham Ng'etich (KEN) 1:07:30 $600 TOP WOMEN 1. Azalech Masresha (ETH) 1:11:44 $5,000 2. Irene Limika (KEN) 1:11:45 $3,000 3. Neriah Asiba (KEN) 1:12:11 $1,500 4. Jane Gakunyi (KEN) 1:12:32 $1,000 5. Jane Murage (KEN) 1:12:34 $600 TOP MEN'S WHEELCHAIR 1. Tony Nogueira (NJ) 53:07* $750 2. Gary Brendel (MA) 56:22 $500 3. Timothy Kelly (MA) 1:03:34 $250 * = tied course record TOP WOMEN'S WHEELCHAIR 1. Laurie Stephens (MA) 1:17:00 $750 2. Jacqui Kapinowski (NJ) 1:24:15 $500 3. Ellie O'Neill (NY) 1:28:26 $250 A total of $30,000 in prize money was awarded to the top overall, masters and wheelchair finishers. Full results from the B.A.A. Half Marathon are available at http://baa.org/HalfMarathon/2008Race.asp. Sunday, October 12, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=370 October 12, 2008, 8:00 a.m. <b>COURSE RECORDS</b> Men's CR 1:02:20 (Tom Nyariki, KEN, 2007) Women's CR 1:10:57 (Marie Davenport, IRL, 2003) Men's Wheelchair CR 53:07 (Anthony Nogueira, 2004) Women's Wheelchair CR 1:09:44 (Laurie Stephens, MA, 2004) <b>PRIZE MONEY</b> Athletes in the elite, wheelchair, and masters division fields will be competing for a total of $30,000 in prize money, to be awarded equally to men and women. The complete prize purse is as follows: Place Overall Masters (40+) Wheelchair 1st $5,000 $500 $750 2nd $3,000 $300 $500 3rd $1,500 $100 $250 4th $1,000 5th $600 6th $500 7th $400 8th $300 9th $200 10th $100 <b>PAST CHAMPIONS</b> Men 2001 Wayne Levy (JAM/MA) 1:10:57 2002 David Hinga (KEN/MA) 1:09:47 2003 Laban Kipkemboi (KEN) 1:03:04 2004 Luke Metto (KEN) 1:02:57 2005 Celedonio Rodriguez (CO) 1:04:09 2006 Samuel Ndereba (KEN) 1:03:03 2007 Tom Nyariki (KEN) 1:02:20 (course record) Women 2001 Sarah Nixon (MA) 1:21:16 2002 Sarah Nixon (MA) 1:22:34 2003 Marie Davenport (IRL/CT) 1:10:57 (course record) 2004 Lornah Kiplagat (NED) 1:12:05 2005 Nataliya Berkut (UKR) 1:12:21 2006 Marie Davenport (IRL/CT) 1:12:10 2007 Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 1:13:36 Men's Wheelchair 2001 Tim Kelly (MA) 1:06:46 2002 Tim Kelly (MA) 1:06:51 2003 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 57:43 2004 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 53:07 (course record) 2005 Mark Ledo (CAN) 57:18 2006 Mark Ledo (CAN) 56:48 2007 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 54:19 Women's Wheelchair 2001 Jane Raymond Hall (MA) 1:31:06 2002 Nanci Cahalane (MA) 1:30:13 2003 Laurie Stephens (MA) 1:10:43 2004 Laurie Stephens (MA) 1:09:44 (course record) 2005 April Coughlin (NY) 1:22:50 2006 April Coughlin (NY) 1:15:17 2007 Jacqui Kapinowski (NJ) 1:22:17 <b>BY THE NUMBERS</b> <b>1</b> Presenting sponsors: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. <b>5,111</b> Entrants in 2008, an event record. (As of October 9.) <b>3,591</b> Number of finishers in 2007, an event record. <b>21,873</b> Cumulative number of finishers in event history, an average of 3,125 per year. <b>51</b> Entrants who have completed all seven previous editions of the B.A.A. Half Marathon. <b>31</b> Number of consecutive Boston Marathons finished by Hal Goforth (El Cajon, CA), who has also completed all seven B.A.A. Half Marathons. <b>3</b> Number of different titles won at the B.A.A. Half Marathon by Wayne Levy of the B.A.A. Running Club (Open Men, Masters Men, Men's Open Team), an event record. <b>7</b> Consecutive men's and women's Open Team titles won by the B.A.A. Running Club. <b>1:02:20</b> Men's course record, an average of 4:46 per mile (Tom Nyariki, 2007). <b>1:10:57</b> Women's course record, an average of 5:24 per mile (Marie Davenport, 2003). <b>15</b> Age of both Gina Christo (Quincy, MA), this year's youngest entrant. <b>76 & 70</b> Ages of Anthony Cellucci (Needham, MA), this year's oldest entrant, and Valerie Palmer (Newport Beach, CA), this year's oldest female entrant. <b>42 & 49</b> Number of states and countries of citizenship from which this year's entrants come. <b>6 & 11</b> Number of past B.A.A. Half Marathon champions competing in 2008, and number of titles won by them: Men's champion: Wayne Levy (2001); Women's champion: Sarah Nixon (2001 & 2002); Men's Push Rim Wheelchair champions: Tim Kelly (2001 & 2002) and Tony Nogueira (2003, 2004 & 2007); Women's Push Rim Wheelchair champion: Laurie Mathews (2003 & 2004) and Jacqui Kapinowski (2008). <b>59:44</b> Half marathon time run by Charles Munyeki (KEN), the 10th-fastest time in the world for 2008. <b>1,000</b> Number of acres in the historic park system that is preserved and maintained by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Since the inception of the B.A.A. Half Marathon, a portion of the entry fees has been directed toward the Conservancy to help with this cause. The B.A.A. Half Marathon is run entirely around and within the Emerald Necklace in Boston and Brookline. <b>30,000</b> Total prize purse, in dollars, to be awarded to the top male and female finishers in the open, masters, and push rim wheelchair divisions. <b>$143,000</b> Total money awarded since a prize purse was introduced at the 2003 B.A.A. Half Marathon. <b>190</b> Days until the 113th Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 20, 2009. <b>THE EMERALD NECKLACE</b> Since the event's inception, a portion of the entry fees has been directed towards the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a non-profit organization working to restore, preserve, maintain and promote this historic park system. <i>"We want a ground to which people may easily go when the day's work is done, and where they may stroll for an hour, seeing hearing and feeling nothing of the bustle and jar of the streets, where they shall, in effect, find the city put far away from them."</i> -Frederick Law Olmsted (1870) It took civic visionary Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. (1822-1903) almost twenty years (1878-1896) to create the six parks now known as the Emerald Necklace. The Back Bay Fens, Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Park, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park stretch five miles from the Charles River to Dorchester and make up over 1,000 acres of parkland. The Necklace comprises half of the City of Boston's park acreage, parkland in the Town of Brookline, and parkways and park edges under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More than 300,000 people live within its watershed area. The Emerald Necklace is the only remaining intact linear park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., America's first landscape architect. As such, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Green and open spaces, rivers and ponds, and a wealth and diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers, wildlife habitat, riparian life, bridges and other structures make up this urban jewel. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy (emeraldnecklace.org) was created to protect, restore, maintain and promote the landscape, waterways and parkways of the Emerald Necklace park system as special places for people to visit and enjoy. Friday, October 10, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=369 <b>2008 B.A.A. Half Marathon Elite Men's Bios</b> <b>Charles Munyeki (KEN)</b> Bib #1 Age: 22 Hometown: Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO Personal Record: 59:44 (2008) Though Charles Munyeki is the youngest entrant in the elite men's field, at just 22 years of age, he recently became the fastest. His 59:44 at the Rotterdam Half Marathon in September makes him the 10th-fastest man in the world this year. In the three years he has been competing on the roads, Munyeki has become a half marathon specialist, racing the distance no fewer than 12 times--six of those run under 1:03:00. Munyeki trains with KIMbia Athletics, along with fellow entrants James Koskei, John Korir, and Gilbert Okari. <b>James Koskei (KEN)</b> Bib #2 Age: 39 Hometown: Iten, KEN / Boulder, CO Personal Record: 1:02:07 (2002) James Koskei, long one of the top road racers on the U.S. circuit, comes to Boston just one month shy of entering the Masters division. Koskei's resume features victories at many of the top races in the U.S, including the Crescent City Classic 10K, Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, Bay to Breakers 12K, Bolder Boulder 10K, Beach to Beacon 10K, and Falmouth Road Race 7M. In 2001 and 2002 he was the fourth-ranked road racer in the world according to Running Times magazine. Koskei placed fourth in the 2007 Boston Marathon and ninth in 2008. Prior to turning his focus to the roads, Koskei was a star on the track and in cross country, holding a 5,000m personal best of 13:04.3 and placing fifth at the 1999 World Cross Country Championships. Koskei trains with KIMbia Athletics, along with fellow entrants Charles Munyeki, John Korir, and Gilbert Okari. <b>Gilbert Okari (KEN)</b> Bib #5 Age: 30 Hometown: Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO Personal Record: 1:01:46 (2008) Much like his teammates at KIMbia Athletics, John Korir and James Koskei, Gilbert Okari is best known for his dominance on the U.S. road racing circuit. The #2-ranked road racer in the world in 2005, according to Running Times magazine, Okari has posted victories at the World's Best 10K, Bay to Breakers 12K, Lilac Bloomsday 12K, Crescent City Classic 10K, Cherry Blossom 10M, Utica Boilermaker 15K, Peachtree Road Race 10K, Falmouth Road Race, and Beach to Beacon 10K--setting course records in the latter two. Just last weekend Okari ran his second competitive half marathon, recording a victory at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose. His time of 1:01:46 was a personal record by three minutes. Okari holds a 10,000m PR of 27:40.9. <b>Abraham Ng'etich (KEN)</b> Bib #6 Age: 27 Hometown: Eldoret KEN / Bronx, NY Personal Record: 1:05:52 (2008) Abraham Ng'etich is just a few months beyond his graduation from Iona College, but already he's establishing himself on the roads. Ng'etich was an NCAA Division I cross country All-American in 2007, and then posted a 5,000m PR of 13:51.68 this past April. He made his half marathon debut in New York City in July, posting a time of 1:05:52. <b>Karim El Mabchour (MAR)</b> Bib #8 Age: 26 Hometown: Morocco / West Chester, PA Personal Record: 1:03:11 (2007) Karim El Mabchour placed second in the 2004 World University Cross Country Championships and third in the World University Games 10,000m in 2005. Since transitioning to the roads he has been a frequent competitor at the half marathon distance, with a personal best of 1:03:11 set in 2007 at the Philadelphia Distance Run. In August he placed fifth at the Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon in 1:04:07. <b>James Gale (USA)</b> Bib #10 Age: 23 Hometown: Allendale, MI Personal Record: 1:06:23 As a collegian, James Gale was a 13-time all-conference performer in track and cross country, as well as a two-time NCAA Division II All-American. He holds PR's of 14:34 (5,000m) and 30:09.95 (10,000m). In his first attempt at the B.A.A. Half Marathon he will be looking to improve upon a half marathon best of 1:06:23. <b>2008 B.A.A. Half Marathon Elite Women's Bios</b> <b>Lioudmila Kortchaguina (CAN)</b> Bib #F1 Age: 37 Hometown: Toronto, ON Personal Record: 1:10:50 (2003) B.A.A. Half Marathon Performance: 2003 (2nd; 1:11:27) Not only is Lioudmila Kortchaguina the fastest half marathoner in this year's field, she's also the most prolific, having recorded more than 40 performances at the distance since 2001. Of those, none was faster than her 1:10:50 victory at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon in 2001. A frequent victor on the roads in Canada, Kortchaguina last competed at the B.A.A. Half Marathon in 2003 when she placed second. Her time of 1:11:27 that year remains the second-fastest time ever run on this course. <b>Irene Limika (KEN)</b> Bib #F2 Age: 29 Hometown: Ngong, KEN / Norristown, PA Personal Record: 1:10:51 (2008) Irene Limika arrives in Boston for the first time hot on the heels of a major breakthrough, having run a new PR of 1:10:51 at the Philadelphia Distance Run. Before shifting her focus to road racing, Limika won a silver medal at the 2001 Goodwill Games in the steeplechase, and then captained the Kenyan team at the 2005 World Cross Country Championships. Limika trains outside of Philadelphia with fellow entrants Neriah Asiba and Jane Murage, as well as four-time Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba. <b>Neriah Asiba (KEN)</b> Bib #F3 Age: 27 Hometown: Ngong, KEN / Toluca, MEX Personal Record: 1:10:58 (2008) Neriah Asiba is one of the most prolific racers in this year's field--as well as one of the best traveled. Since 2004, Asiba has recorded 24 half marathon performances, nine of those under 1:13:00. Though she raced primarily in France early in her career, she has since traveled extensively through North, Central and South America, racing in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Colombia. Asiba trains in Norristown, PA, with fellow entrants Irene Limika and Jane Murage, as well as four-time Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba. Her older sister, Gladys, is also a successful road racer. <b>Azalech Masresha (ETH)</b> Bib #F4 Age: 20 Hometown: Ethiopia Personal Record: 1:10:36 (2008) Though Azalech Masresha is the youngest member of this year's elite field, at 20, she's certainly not lacking in experience. Masresha broke 1:12 in her half marathon debut in 2007, at the age of 19. Later in the year she won the Reims Half in France with a new personal record of 1:11:29. Recently Masresha placed second at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose, CA, lowering her personal record yet again, this time to 1:10:36. Having raced primarily in France, Morocco, and her native Ethiopia, Masresha will be competing in Boston for the first time. <b>Kathy Newberry (USA)</b> Bib #F6 Age: 30 Hometown: Williamsburg, VA Personal Record: 1:12:59 (2008) B.A.A. Half Marathon Performance: 2007 (3rd; 1:16:44) Kathy Newberry is the top returning finisher from the 2007 B.A.A. Half Marathon, having placed third. Primarily a track and cross country specialist until last year, Newberry has shown rapid improvement on the roads since then--particularly at the half marathon distance. Just three months after running 1:16:44 in Boston, Newberry posted a new personal record of 1:12:59 at the Houston Half Marathon, to place sixth. <b>Jane Gakunyi (KEN)</b> Bib #F7 Age: 29 Hometown: Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO Personal Record: 1:12:57 (2008) Jane Gakunyi has been competing internationally for more than seven years, but only over the past 12 months has she made the transition to the roads. In 2003 she posted one of her best performances, finishing third in the World Cross Country Championships. Later that year she ran a personal best of 15:04.00 for 5,000m at the World Track & Field Championships, then the following summer she competed in the Athens Olympic Games. She placed fifth in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon last weekend, recording a new personal record of 1:12:57. This will be just her fourth half marathon. <b>Janet Kogo Cherobon (KEN)</b> Bib #F8 Age: 30 Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA Personal Record: 1:13:47 (2008) Janet Kogo Cherobon was an eight-time NCAA Division II All-American at Harding University in Arkansas. She won NCAA championships indoors at 5,000m and outdoors at 5,000m and 10,000m during her senior season of 2005. Post-collegiately, Cherobon has been a frequent competitor in half marathons, completing the distance no fewer than nine times in the past 18 months. Her personal record came this past March when she won the ING Georgia Half Marathon in 1:13:47. <b>Jane Murage (KEN)</b> Bib #F9 Age: 21 Hometown: Norristown, PA Personal Record: Debut Jane Murage is a newcomer to the U.S. roads, but she made an immediate impression in her May debut: The 21-year-old won the Broad Street Run 10-mile in a time of 54:16. This will be her debut at the half marathon distance. Murage trains in Norristown, PA, with fellow entrants Irene Limika and Neriah Asiba, as well as four-time Boston Marathon champion Catherine Ndereba. <b>Alemtsehay Misganaw (ETH)</b> Bib #F10 Age: 25 Hometown: Ethiopia / New York, NY Personal Record: 1:12:48 (2007) The New York City-based Alemtsehay Misganaw has been a regular on the U.S. roads since 2003. In 15 half marathons over the past five years, she has posted victories in Yonkers, New Bedford (twice), Danbury (twice), and Memphis. She set her personal record of 1:12:48 last fall at the Philadelphia Distance Run. Misganaw has her own website: alemtsehay.com. <b>MASTERS WOMEN</b> <b>Maria Luisa Servin (MEX)</b> Bib #F21 Age: 46 Hometown: Mexico / Middleboro, MA Personal Record: 1:13:20 (1995) B.A.A. Half Marathon Performances: 2005 (8th overall, 3rd master; 1:21:18); 2003 (5th overall, 1st master; 1:17:49) Early in her career, Maria Luisa Servin was a frequent member of the Mexican national team, competing at the Olympic Games, World Cross Country Championships, World Track & Field Championships, Goodwill Games, and Pan Am Games, among other international events. Servin shifted her focus to the roads in 1994, and today the Middleboro, MA, resident is a top masters competitor on the New England circuit. She has twice been a top-10 finisher in the B.A.A. Half Marathon, and won the masters' division in 2003. <b>Zola Pieterse (RSA)</b> Bib #F25 Age: 42 Hometown: Bainsuei, RSA / Myrtle Beach, SC Personal Record: 1:12:39 (1996) One of the top female distance runners of all time, Zola Pieterse (formerly Zola Budd) is an Olympian, two-time World Cross Country Champion, and former World Junior Record and World Record holder. As a South African teenager, Pieterse ran a 15:01.83 World Junior Record for 5,000m in 1984, and followed that up with a WJR for 3,000m (8:37.5) the next month. One year later she was a world record holder, running 14:48.07 for 5,000m. Pieterse will forever be linked to U.S. great Mary Slaney, as the two favorites collided in the final of the 3,000m at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and failed to medal. As a masters competitor, Pieterse's focus is now on the roads. She recently ran 1:25:16 at the Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon, and is preparing for the ING New York City Marathon on November 2. Friday, October 10, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=368 <b>Race Week:</b> • Don't change too many things - eat normally, get plenty of rest; do not try a food, diet, carbo-loading method before the race if you have never done it before - it is a recipe for disaster. • Do NOT do "a little extra b/c I felt good". You should feel good, you are resting to race. Don't leave your race on the roads on Thursday - be patient and save "that little extra" for Sunday. • If you are nursing a slight injury or are not 100%, begin to adjust race day performance goals. • Plan to bring a bag to the start with some extra clothes, a towel, a water bottle, gear for unpredictable weather, and some money (but leave the wallet, keys, etc. somewhere secure - only bring what you need to the start. If you bag is accidentally misplaced, you don't want to be without your ID and the keys to your car/home). <b>What to Wear:</b> • This is an individual choice, but if it is cool, plan to have layers that you can peel off and "throw-away"; an old long sleeve shirt, gloves, hat, etc. Don't pin your number to the "throw-away" items!!! • If it is raining, quick-dry fabrics are a better bet than cotton and have dry clothing to change into after you finish. • Wear footwear you have regularly trained in, now is not the time for trying a new pair of shoes. • If it is hot/humid (at 8 AM, the sun is not likely to be a huge issue, but it can be warm and muggy), shorts and a light t-shirt/tank top will do. • If the weather is extreme - adjust your goal/pace. If you don't you will be in for a miserable run. <b>Race Day:</b> • Have your gear bag packed and the clothing that you plan to wear laid out the night before so you can be ready to go in the AM. • When you get up, eat a light breakfast and drink some fluids - stick to foods/drinks that are tried and true and that you know won't upset your stomach. • Today is NOT the day to try out those new racing flats, outfit, etc. Use clothing, sneakers, that you have worn before and know will be comfortable. • Plan to be at the race at least an hour before the start of the race - you need to leave yourself plenty of time to pick-up your number, do a little walking/jogging/stretching in order to warm-up, drop off your gear at the baggage check, make a last-minute pit-stop and get to the line. There is nothing like last-minute panic to have a detrimental effect on your race. • Relax and plan to have fun! <b>Racing Strategy and the Course The first 3 miles:</b> • You should have a race plan going into the race: have a sense of the time that you are looking to run and break that down into mile splits; • At the start, don't get caught up in the excitement - start at your goal pace; • You should feel pretty good to start, so don't try and push the pace too soon - you want something left in the tank to climb that hill at the zoo and to get back to the finish. • You should use the first couple of miles along the Riverway to get a sense of your pace and settle into a rhythm. • By the time you reach Jamaica Pond, you should be feeling reasonably comfortable. <b>Mile 4-6:</b> • As you make your way past the Arnold Arboretum, stay relaxed, maintain a steady pace and begin to mentally prepare for the climb into the zoo. • Crossing the Forest Hills overpass you get a good glimpse of the Boston skyline to your left; • Your splits will slow down on the hill leading to the 5 and 6 mile marks; • Good hill running technique: relax, shorten your stride, lean slightly into the hill, don't try and sprint. A good goal is to try and maintain your place - don't worry about the mile split. • You enter the Zoo at the 5.75 mile mark, you will be on a footpath, look for the zebra & lions! • Mile 6 is in the Zoo, after you exit you will be ready to make the turn for home! <b>Mile 7-10</b> • Use the next half mile or so to recover from the uphill - but don't run the downhill too hard! You can take advantage of the downhill momentum, but remember that you are still only halfway there. • This is the part of the race that may start to become hard - especially if this is your first time racing over 10k. • As you return along the flat stretch of Arborway and the Jamaica Way, this is a good time to assess how you are feeling; if you are feeling good, you may want to pick-up your pace slightly; if you are not feeling great, you may have to back-off a bit. • Maintaining your mental focus may be a challenge here - as you did on the way out, try to settle into a steady rhythm - cruise control. <b>The final 5k:</b> • You are almost home! • As you pass behind Clemente Field and head into the Fenway, you will probably be able to hear the cheers at the finish line. • Use that adrenaline rush to usher you into the finish. • When you make that turn onto Park Drive, you have about a half-mile to go - too soon for that final sprint, but you can start to pick it up. You have less than 5 minutes to race and then you can relish your accomplishment - and enjoy those post-race festivities! Wednesday, October 08, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=367 <b><i>Eighth annual event, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, to be held on Sunday, October 12</i></b> Boston, Mass. - Of the record 5,093 runners to have registered for the B.A.A. Half Marathon, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, this coming Sunday, 51 of them have been a part of the event since the inaugural edition in 2001. Each of these 51 will be looking to complete the race for the eighth consecutive year. The group spans the ages of 31 to 64 and consists of 13 women and 38 men with personal bests on the B.A.A. Half Marathon course ranging from 1:10:56 to 2:36:40. They will be traveling to Boston from around Massachusetts, as well as New Jersey, Louisiana, California, and even Oxford, England. The fastest member of the group in 2007 was Bobby Bligh (Wakefield, MA), who placed third in the masters' division with a time of 1:17:10. The fastest woman last year was Patrycja Missiuro (Somerville, MA) who finished in 1:39:15. Among the 51 streakers are three past champions. Wayne Levy (Waban, MA) won the inaugural B.A.A. Half Marathon in 1:10:56, the fastest time posted by any of the streakers. Sarah Nixon (Medfield, MA) won both the inaugural B.A.A. Half and the second edition, with times of 1:21:14 and 1:22:32. Nixon is not the only two-time champion on this list. Timothy Kelly (Weymouth, MA) won the first two B.A.A. Half Marathon wheelchair titles, and has consistently been a top finisher in that division, most recently placing third in 2007. Kelly's personal best of 58:41 came in 2004. Hal Goforth (El Cajon, CA) holds two distinctions: At 64 he is the oldest athlete on the list, and he also has an active streak of 31 consecutive Boston Marathon finishes. His best finish at the B.A.A. Half is 1:24:46, in 2002. He completed last year's race in 1:30:29, the fastest time posted by a man in the 60-69 age group. The B.A.A. Half Marathon starts and finishes at Roberto Clemente Field, in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The 13.1-mile route shows off Boston's Emerald Necklace park system, starting in the Fenway area, and covering Riverway, Jamaicaway, and Arborway on the out-and-back route to Franklin Park and the Franklin Park Zoo. A portion of each participant's entry fee is donated to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and is directed toward the enhancement and maintenance of the park system. The athletes hoping to extend their streaks on October 12 are: <b>Men Hometown Best Time</b> Chris Anderson Jamaica Plain, MA 1:43:52 (2006) Bobby Bligh Wakefield, MA 1:14:48 (2001) Peter Cohn South Walpole, MA 1:36:12 (2001) John Degnan Jamaica Plain, MA 1:46:44 (2004) Jack Dresser Wayland, MA 1:35:27 (2004) David Driscoll Peabody, MA 2:36:40 (2002) Jeffrey Ecker Newton, MA 1:40:24 (2003) Andrew Fuller Boston, MA 1:30:56 (2007) Robert Gaudet West Roxbury, MA 1:50:20 (2003) Hal Goforth, Jr. El Cajon, CA 1:24:46 (2002) Larry Hanson Georgetown, MA 1:53:26 (2004) Philip Harrington Brookline, MA 1:44:46 (2006) Eric Kelly Milton, MA 1:48:46 (2004) Douglas King Abington, MA 1:50:22 (2001) Michael Leonard Quincy, MA 1:56:36 (2005) Wayne Levy Waban, MA 1:10:56 (2001) Eduardo Lopez Oxford, GBR 1:36:18 (2002) Mike Mason Peabody, MA 1:28:19 (2004) Jonathan McIntyre Arlington, MA 1:23:59 (2001) Michael Mellone Hull, MA 1:46:19 (2001) John Monahan, Jr. Newton, MA 1:33:42 (2004) Mark Monti Cambridge, MA 1:53:09 (2001) Michael Mullen Natick, MA 1:26:54 (2004) Michael Murphy Saugus, MA 1:38:05 (2006) Steve Murray Milton, MA 1:31:52 (2006) Joseph Palladino Boston, MA 2:07:37 (2001) Bob Pomeroy Arlington, MA 1:29:41 (2006) Ronald Rakow West Roxbury, MA 1:40:36 (2006) Michael Reardon Needham, MA 1:40:37 (2002) Ken Ross Boston, MA 1:23:31 (2004) John Singleton Waltham, MA 1:34:44 (2004) Philip Smith Cape May, NJ 1:59:41 (2001) Jeff Teumer Brookline, MA 1:47:03 (2004) Christopher Wagner Allston, MA 1:53:34 (2003) Robert Walter Shreveport, LA 1:40:20 (2003) John Wermers Dorchester, MA 2:01:15 (2005) Michael Wessels Brookline, MA 1:27:40 (2004) <b>Women Hometown Best Time</b> Beth Ann Brown Quincy, MA 1:47:43 (2006) Judy Callahan Stoughton, MA 2:03:13 (2005) Barbara Cleary Brookline, MA 1:44:32 (2004) Barbara Connolly Wellesley, MA 1:46:33 (2001) Maria David Malden, MA 1:43:01 (2003) Donna Dominguez Sterling, MA 2:06:40 (2004) Carolyn Harthun Wellesley, MA 1:47:43 (2005) Kate Maul Boston, MA 1:42:16 (2006) Patrycja Missiuro Somerville, MA 1:32:43 (2004) Terri Murray Milton, MA 1:47:52 (2007) Sarah Nixon Medfield, MA 1:21:14 (2001) Mae Shoemaker Sudbury, MA 1:40:45 (2001) Cynthia Smithy Wellesley, MA 1:53:18 (2007) <b>Men's Push Rim Wheelchair Best Time</b> Timothy Kelly Weymouth, MA 58:41 (2004) Tuesday, October 07, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=366 WHERE: at Marathon Sports (Boston store location). WHO: Presented by the Boston Athletic Association and adidas. Hosted by Marathon Sports. Free and open to entrants in the B.A.A. Half Marathon®, and their guests. Clinic location: Marathon Sports - Boston 671 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Telephone: 617-267-4774 www.marathonsports.com WHEN: Tuesday evening, October 7. HOW: Though not required, if you plan to attend, please send an email to train@baa.org -- this will help with our planning! Guests are welcome. Call 617-236-1652 ext 2627 with questions. * * * Fall '08 adidas Footwear & Apparel * * * 20% off adidas products at each clinic. Free Gift With Purchases of adidas footwear and apparel. Gift with Try On offered on adidas products. CLINIC DETAILS: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. -- Shopping by Invitation Only. Exclusive shopping for adidas footwear and apparel with discount and personal service. Complimentary food and beverages provided. 7:30 - 8:15 p.m. -- Clinic presentation followed by Q&A and raffles. RACE WEEK TIPS, RACE DAY TIPS, RACING TIPS - Get ready to run your personal record, presented by Boston Athletic Association Head Coach Michael Pieroni. and THE EMERALD NECKLACE - Renowned Boston writer and Runner's World contributor Jon Marcus will share the story behind the story of Boston and Brookline's park system. His presentation will add to your appreciation of your 13.1 mile run on October 12; he'll explain how murky swampland became our race course! Special offer - adidas Half Zip, Long-Sleeve T-shirt with B.A.A. Half Marathon logo, available only at Marathon Sports. Price: $35 for official entrants in the B.A.A. Half Marathon. Available: Tuesday, October 7 at the Clinic (Marathon Sports, Boston/Boylston Street). Also available at all Marathon Sports locations while supplies last and at the Marathon Sports/adidas tent at the B.A.A. Half Marathon while supplies last. Friday, October 03, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=365 <b><i>Top Athletes Racing for $30,000 and Course Records</i></b> Boston, Mass. - An event-record 5,061 entrants are preparing for the October 12 B.A.A. Half Marathon, presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Leading the charge on race day will be one of the strongest elite fields in the event's eight-year history. The race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12 at Roberto Clemente Field in Boston's Back Bay Fens neighborhood. The route will take runners out to the Franklin Park Zoo, and back again, along Boston's Emerald Necklace park system. The field of elite men and women will be competing for a total prize purse of $30,000 ($5,000 each to the male and female champions). The B.A.A. course records are 1:02:20 (Tom Nyariki, 2007) and 1:10:57 (Marie Davenport, 2003). The men's field boasts a mix of veterans and newcomers who could challenge Nyariki's record. Charles Munyeki (KEN) is just 22 years of age, but already a veteran of the half marathon distance. Consistently a sub-1:04:00 performer around the globe, Munyeki had a major breakthrough when he ran 59:44 in Rotterdam just two weeks ago. That time makes him the 10th-fastest man in the world for 2008. Munyeki will be challenged by a group of seasoned road racers, including 2003 and 2005 Running Times Road Racer of the Year John Korir (KEN), who holds a half marathon best of 1:01:00. Though less experienced in the half marathon, Gilbert Okari (KEN) is one of Korir's top rivals on the U.S. road circuit, and has won such races as the World's Best 10K, Falmouth Road Race, and Beach to Beacon 10K. Okari has raced the half marathon distance just once and looks poised for a breakthrough at the distance. Returning from last year's field are Stephen Koech (KEN), who placed fourth in 2007, and Robert Wade (IRL), who finished 10th. James Koskei (KEN) enters the B.A.A. Half Marathon for the first time, though he is familiar with the B.A.A.'s other event: Koskei was fourth in the 2007 Boston Marathon. A newcomer to the roads is Iona College alum Abraham Ng'etich (KEN). He's coming off of a senior year that saw him earn NCAA All-America honors in cross country and post a 5,000m best of 13:51.68. This will be just his second half marathon. The top returning woman from 2007 is third-place finisher Kathy Newberry (VA), who will be challenged by a deep field. Irene Limika (KEN) will be racing the half marathon distance for just the third time in her career. The second time, however, was a third-place finish at the Philadelphia Distance Run on September 21, where she posted a 1:10:51 personal best. Neriah Asiba (KEN), who races primarily in Mexico, is a veteran of the half marathon and finished just seconds behind Limika in Philadelphia, setting a new personal best of 1:10:58. Lioudmila Kortchaguina (CAN) holds the fastest half marathon PR in the field, a 1:10:50 run in 2003. She is a three-time Canadian marathon champion (2005-2007), and was runner-up in the 2003 B.A.A. Half Marathon (1:11:27). Jane Gakunyi (KEN) was a 2004 Olympian at 5,000m and placed third at the World Cross Country Championships in 2003. She boasts a half marathon best of 1:13:40. Janet Kogo Cherobon (KEN) was a three-time NCAA Division II national champion at Harding University who has moved on to road racing since her 2005 graduation. Alemtseshay Misganaw (ETH), who will be making her first appearance in Boston, ran sub-1:15 twice this past summer. Though just 20 years of age, Azalech Masresha (ETH) ran a personal-best 1:11:29 last year. Twenty-one-year-old Jane Murage (KEN), winner of the Broad Street Run 10-mile earlier this year, will be making her half marathon debut. <b>ELITE FIELDS</b> Top Men # Age Citizenship Hometown PR Charles Munyeki 1 22 KEN Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO 59:44 James Koskei 2 39 KEN Iten, KEN / Boulder, CO 1:02:07 Stephen Koech 3 31 KEN Kenya / Westchester, PA 1:02:19 John Korir 4 32 KEN Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO 1:01:00 Gilbert Okari 5 30 KEN Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO 1:04:17 Abraham Ng'etich 6 27 KEN Eldoret KEN / Bronx, NY 1:05:52 Robbie Wade 7 26 IRL Arlington, VA 1:07:47 James Gale 10 23 USA Allendale, MI 1:06:23 Top Women # Age Citizenship Hometown PR Lioudmila Kortchaguina F1 37 CAN Toronto, ON, CAN 1:10:46 Irene Limika F2 29 KEN Ngong, KEN / Philadelphia 1:10:51 Neriah Asiba F3 27 KEN Ngong, KEN / Toluca, MEX 1:10:58 Azalech Masresha F4 20 ETH Ethiopia 1:11:29 Kathy Newberry F6 30 USA Williamsburg, VA 1:12:59 Jane Gakunyi F7 29 KEN Nyahuru, KEN / Boulder, CO 1:13:40 Janet Kogo Cherobon F8 30 KEN Lawrenceville, GA 1:13:47 Jane Murage F9 21 KEN Philadelphia, PA Debut Alemtseshay Misganaw F10 25 ETH Ethiopia / New York, NY 1:12:48 Masters Women # Age Citizenship Hometown PR Maria Luisa Servin F21 46 MEX Mexico 1:13:20 Zola Pieterse F25 42 RSA Myrtle Beach, SC 1:12:39 <b>PRIZE MONEY</b> Athletes in the elite, wheelchair, and masters division fields will be competing for a total of $30,000 in prize money, to be awarded equally to men and women. The complete prize purse is as follows: Place Overall Masters (40+) Wheelchair 1st $5,000 $500 $750 2nd $3,000 $300 $500 3rd $1,500 $100 $250 4th $1,000 5th $600 6th $500 7th $400 8th $300 9th $200 10th $100 <b>PAST CHAMPIONS</b> Men 2001 Wayne Levy (JAM/MA) 1:10:57 2002 David Hinga (KEN/MA) 1:09:47 2003 Laban Kipkemboi (KEN) 1:03:04 2004 Luke Metto (KEN) 1:02:57 2005 Celedonio Rodriguez (CO) 1:04:09 2006 Samuel Ndereba (KEN) 1:03:03 2007 Tom Nyariki (KEN) 1:02:20 (course record) Women 2001 Sarah Nixon (MA) 1:21:16 2002 Sarah Nixon (MA) 1:22:34 2003 Marie Davenport (IRL/CT) 1:10:57 (course record) 2004 Lornah Kiplagat (NED) 1:12:05 2005 Nataliya Berkut (UKR) 1:12:21 2006 Marie Davenport (IRL/CT) 1:12:10 2007 Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 1:13:36 Men's Wheelchair 2001 Tim Kelly (MA) 1:06:46 2002 Tim Kelly (MA) 1:06:51 2003 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 57:43 2004 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 53:07 (course record) 2005 Mark Ledo (CAN) 57:18 2006 Mark Ledo (CAN) 56:48 2007 Tony Nogueira (NJ) 54:19 Women's Wheelchair 2001 Jane Raymond Hall (MA) 1:31:06 2002 Nanci Cahalane (MA) 1:30:13 2003 Laurie Stephens (MA) 1:10:43 2004 Laurie Stephens (MA) 1:09:44 (course record) 2005 April Coughlin (NY) 1:22:50 2006 April Coughlin (NY) 1:15:17 2007 Jacqui Kapinowski (NJ) 1:22:17 Wednesday, October 01, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=364 <b><i>Six Athletes Remain in Contention for $1 Million Prize</i></b> With the Beijing Olympic Games having come to a close and the Fall/Autumn marathon season about to begin, the 2007-2008 World Marathon Majors Series men's and women's titles remain very much up in the air. Last year both titles were decided in the final two races of the Series. With six athletes still in contention in 2007-2008 -- two men and four women -- the Series is headed for another exciting conclusion. Athletes will have three chances to score points before the champions are crowned on November 3 in New York City: September 28 real,-Berlin-Marathon October 12 Bank of America Chicago Marathon November 2 ING New York City Marathon The men's race is down to two contenders: defending champion Robert K. Cheruiyot (KEN) and his training partner Martin Lel (KEN). Lel holds a substantial 21-point lead, but has already scored in four events (the maximum number allowed in a two-year scoring period). Should he choose to race again, Lel could still improve his score by improving upon his 5th-place finish in the Olympic Games. For Cheruiyot to defend his championship he will first have to recover from the injury which forced him to withdraw from the Olympics. Then, only a victory -- coupled with Lel failing to add to his lead -- would give Cheruiyot the title. The women's race is a bit more complicated. Defending champion Gete Wami (ETH) holds a 15-point advantage, but like Lel she has already scored in four events. Wami would have to place first or second in a Fall race to improve her 65-point total. Should she fail to do so, the door will be opened for three women to challenge for the WMM Series championship. Olympic bronze medalist Zhou Chunxiu (CHN, 50 pts.) sits in second place, and holds a tie-break advantage versus Wami by virtue of their head-to-head record, so a victory or runner-up placing this Fall could give Zhou the win. Meanwhile, Olympic silver medalist Catherine Ndereba (KEN, 41 pts.) would surpass Wami by a slim 1-point margin with a win. Irina Mikitenko (GER) also still has an outside chance. Injury prevented her from competing in the Olympic Games but a win in Berlin on September 28 would vault her into a tie for first with Wami. If there is a tie atop the leaderboard following the last race in the Series, New York City on November 2, the tie would be broken by head-to-head record. If the athletes remain tied, the WMM race directors would decide the champion by a vote. The 2007-2008 World Marathon Majors Series champions will be honored and presented with their $500,000 checks at a special luncheon in New York City on Monday, November 3, the day after the 2008 ING New York City Marathon. <b>Men's 2007-2008 WMM Series Leaderboard</b> 1. Martin Lel (KEN) 76 pts. 2. Robert K. Cheruiyot (KEN) 55 pts. 3. Abderrahim Goumri (MAR) 40 pts. 3. Samuel Wanjiru (KEN) 40 pts. 5. Jaouad Gharib (MAR) 35 pts. <b>Women's 2007-2008 WMM Series Leaderboard</b> 1. Gete Wami (ETH) 65 pts. 2. Zhou Chunxiu (CHN) 50 pts. 3. Catherine Ndereba (KEN) 41 pts. 4. Irina Mikitenko (GER) 40 pts. 5. Constantina Tomescu-Dita (ROU) 35 pts. Athletes are awarded points for a top-5 finish, with 25 points for 1st, 15 for 2nd, 10 for 3rd, 5 for 4th and 1 for 5th. A maximum of four events can be counted in a two-year period. Complete WMM Series leaderboards can be found at worldmarathonmajors.com. Tuesday, September 16, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=363 <b><i>5,000 runners preparing for October 12th event</i></b> Boston, Mass. - The eighth annual B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, will be held October 12, 2008 at 8 a.m. The event will feature 5,000 runners and sold out in record time this year, with the field filling in just eight days. The B.A.A. Half Marathon starts and finishes at Roberto Clemente Field, in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. The 13.1-mile route shows off Boston's Emerald Necklace park system, starting in the Fenway area, and covering the Riverway, Jamaicaway, and Arborway on the out-and-back route to Franklin Park and the Franklin Park Zoo. A total of $30,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top overall, masters and wheelchair finishers. Past participants have included John Kagwe (two-time New York City Marathon champion), Timothy Cherigat (2004 Boston Marathon champion), Lornah Kiplagat (20K world record holder), Valentina Yegorova (Olympic marathon gold medalist), Jen Rhines (two-time U.S. Olympian), and Peter Gilmore (three-time top-10 finisher in the Boston Marathon). A new men's course record of 1:02:20 was set by Tom Nyariki (KEN) last year, while the women's mark of 1:10:57 was set by Marie Davenport (IRL) in 2003. <b>B.A.A. Half Marathon Participation & Past Champions</b> Year / Men / Women / Entrants 2001 Wayne Levy (1:10:57); Sarah Nixon (1:21:16); 3,375 2002 David Hinga (1:09:47); Sarah Nixon (1:22:34); 4,072 2003 Laban Kipkemboi (1:03:04); Marie Davenport (1:10:57*); 4,095 2004 Luke Metto (1:02:57); Lornah Kiplagat (1:12:05); 4,309 2005 Celedonio Rodriguez (1:04:09); Nataliya Berkut (1:12:21); 4,457 2006 Samuel Ndereba (1:03:03); Marie Davenport (1:12:10); 4,642 2007 Tom Nyariki (1:02:20*); Edna Kiplagat (1:13:36); 4,917 2008 TBD on October 12; TBD on October 12; 5,012* * = B.A.A. Half Marathon Record For the sixth consecutive year, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund are the presenting sponsors of the B.A.A. Half Marathon. Several hundred Dana-Farber Runners will be fundraising for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Additionally, a portion of the entry fees will be donated to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy to benefit the 1,000 acres of greenspace, waterways and parkways so important to our Commonwealth's quality of life and health of its citizens. It took civic visionary Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. (1822-1903) almost twenty years (1878-1896) to create the six parks now known as the Emerald Necklace. The Back Bay Fens, Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Park, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park stretch five miles from the Charles River to Dorchester and make up over 1,000 acres of parkland. Today, the Necklace comprises half of the City of Boston's park acreage, parkland in the Town of Brookline, and parkways and park edges under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More than 300,000 people live within its watershed area. Thursday, September 11, 2008 http://baa.org/News.asp?NewsID=362 <b><i>Six new organizations added to official Boston Marathon Charity Program</i></b> Boston, Mass. - Online registration for the 113th Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 20, 2009, will begin at 9:00 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday, September 3. Held on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts holiday, Boston is the world's oldest annual marathon. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial Services. For the second consecutive year, the field will be limited to 25,000 entrants. In 2008 the field filled by late February and race organizers expect the 2009 race to reach its limit even faster. To qualify for the 113th Boston Marathon, runners must meet the designated time standard for their age group. Qualifying times must be run on or after September 29, 2007 at a certified marathon. Qualifying standards may be viewed at www.baa.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp. Seeding of the race is based on qualifying times, which are subject to review and verification. In 2008, runners with a qualifying time faster than 3:35:00 began in Wave One of the race, while all others began in Wave Two. In addition to online registration, runners may download a PDF application at www.baa.org, or request a hard-copy application by emailing registration@baa.org. Entries will be accepted until the maximum field size of 25,000 athletes has been reached. <b>Official Boston Marathon Charity Program Adds Six New Organizations</b> The official Boston Marathon Charity Program recognizes a select group of charities every year, providing each with entries to be used for fundraising purposes. In 2008, more than 1,200 runners represented the Charity Program's 24 organizations, combining to raise more than $11 million. The Boston Marathon Charity Program has now raised more than $85 million over the past two decades. Membership in the Charity Program is for a period of up to three years, so while six charities took part for the final time in 2008, the B.A.A. recently selected six new charities to participate in 2009. New members of the Boston Marathon Charity Program: CYCLE Kids GoKids Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Perkins School for the Blind Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital WalkBoston Returning organizations: American Liver Foundation, New England Chapter American Stroke Association-Tedy's Team Boston Living Center Boston Partners in Education Bottom Line Children's Hospital Boston Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Good Sports Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, Inc. Home for Our Troops Lazarus House Ministries The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Melanoma Foundation of New England Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central New England Chapter The Esplanade Association The New England Center for Children, Inc. Contact information and descriptions of each charity can be found on the B.A.A.'s Charity Program webpage at www.baa.org/BostonMarathon/Charity.asp. Applications will become available tomorrow, and runners of all ability levels are encouraged to apply early. Tuesday, September 02, 2008