FAQ

Contact Info:
Boston Office (Administration)
40 Trinity Place
4th floor
Boston MA 02116
phone: 617-236-1652
fax: 617-236-4505
e-mail: info@baa.org
Hopkinton Office (Registration)
“The Starting Line”/One Ash St.
Hopkinton MA 01748
phone: 508-435-6905
fax: 508-435-6590
e-mail: registration@baa.org

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q:

Are B.A.A. Half Marathon awards presented according to official ("gun") time, or net time?
A:

All prize money winners will be decided by gun time. All age group division awards will be awarded by net time.

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Q:

Are bikes/skates/baby joggers/dogs allowed on the B.A.A. Half Marathon course?

 
A:

No. For safety reasons, strollers, in-line skates, skateboards and like vehicles of any kind, animals are not permitted.

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Q:

Will photographs be taken along the course and at the finish of the Boston Marathon, and how can I order these pictures?
A:
Marathon Foto is the official photographer of the Boston Marathon and representatives will take photos along the course and finish. Proofs will be mailed to all participants shortly after the race, or photos may be ordered on-line at www.marathonfoto.com.
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Q:

How do I get involved with the B.A.A. 10K?
A:

The B.A.A. 10K is on Sunday, June 23, 2013. 

For full details, click here.

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Q:

Can I move from one wave to the other wave in the Boston Marathon?
A:

You may move from Wave 1 to Wave 2 or Wave 3, however you may not move from Wave 3 or 2 to Wave 1.

Runners in Wave 2 can move to Wave 3.

Due to space constraints, runners who move back may not move into the first corral of Wave 2 or Wave 3.

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Q:
Why was the Unicorn chosen as the symbol of both the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon?
A:

While it is popular belief that in 1887 the B.A.A. founders chose the Unicorn as the organization’s symbol due to its place in mythology (Chinese and other mythologies regard the figure as an ideal and something to be pursued but which can never be caught), it is more likely that the Unicorn was borrowed from the coat of arms from one of the B.A.A.'s first families. Still, the now iconic Unicorn stands for striving for excellence.... even it can never be achieved.

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Q:

Any recommendations on how to meet up with my family after I finish the Boston Marathon?
A:
Arrange to meet your family in the Family Meeting Area. Large signs with all letters of the alphabet will be posted beginning on Stuart Street, along Clarendon and finishing along St. James Avenue. Or, you may wish to select a designated location far outside of the restricted area and away from the finish area facilities.
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Q:

Will there be fluid replacement stations along the B.A.A. Half Marathon course?
A:
Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water will be available at every other mile beginning at mile two, and G Series Pro Endurance Formula™ will be available at miles six, 9.5, and 10.5. PowerBar Gel® will be available near mile six. See the course map here.
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Q:

Are port-a-johns available at the B.A.A. Half Marathon?
A:

Port-a-johns will be located at each fluid and each first aid station. Stations are every other mile beginning at mile two. We've also added many port-a-johns to the start and finish area near White Stadium.

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Q:

How can my family get to locations along the course using public transportation?
A:
Locations along the course that are close to MBTA subway stations are:
  • Kenmore Square (Green lines B,C, and D): One-mile-to-go marker
  • Woodland (Green line D): Mile 16.8 of the Marathon course
  • Boston College (Green line B): Mile 21.4 of the Marathon course
  • Cleveland Circle (Green line C): mile 22.4 of the Marathon course
The MBTA's Commuter Rail Line (Framingham/Worcester) also makes stops along the Route in Framingham, West Natick, Natick, Wellesley Square and Wellesley Hills. For more information on watching the race, pick up a Spectator's Guide at local hotels or the Marathon Information Kiosk in Copley Square Park on race weekend.
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B.A.A. Moment 5

1972 - Women Official Entrants in Marathon

Although Bobbi Gibb was the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon in 1966, it was not until the 1972 Boston Marathon that women could become official entrants due to a change in AAU rules.

View all B.A.A. Moments