Around 2:50 p.m. on Monday, April 15, two bombs went off near the Boston Marathon finish line, putting a tragic halt to one of the most iconic races in the world. About 5,000 runners were stopped in their tracks along the Boston Marathon course, unable to complete the 26.2-mile run due to the devastation occurring before them.
While many of those runners have taken it upon themselves to complete the route, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) is extending an official invitation to 2013 runners who were unable to cross the finish line this year.
“The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience,” said Tom Grilk, BAA executive director in a press release. “With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment.”
To be eligible, the runners must have reached the halfway marathon mark in the 2013 race. In August, those runners will receive a special code to register for the 2014 Boston Marathon, which is scheduled to open in September.
But here’s the catch: “All participants will be required to pay an entry fee, which has yet to be determined,” states the press release.
Honestly, I’m a little miffed that they’re still charging these individuals an entrance fee. I understand that there are great costs associated with putting on one of the nation’s largest races, and security will undoubtedly be increased this year, which comes at a price. But considering what these runners faced on race day, it seems a little insensitive to make them pay a fee for next year’s race, not to mention travel costs associated with getting to and from the city.
The BAA still has not determined how many participants will be allowed in the 2014 marathon. In 2013, about 26,000 people were entered to race.
If you would like to run the 2014 Boston Marathon and don’t have a special invite, you still have a few opportunities to qualify. Check out this article to learn more.
