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:

What is BibTag and how is it used in the Half Marathon?
A:

The BibTag timing system will enable you to receive your official time (time from the starter's gun), as well as your net running time. The BibTag is affixed to your bib number and must be worn on your outer layer for the entire race for you to be scored and timed and for you to appear among the results as an official finisher.

Please handle the tag with care, as bent or damaged tags may not work correctly.

 

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Q:

How are team results calculated in the Half Marathon?
A:
Team scoring is based on the combined total net times of: top five finishers in men’s open (may include men over 40), top five finishers in men’s masters (40-over), top three finishers in men’s veterans (50-over), top three finishers in men’s seniors (60-over), and the top three finishers in all women’s divisions. Only one team per club will be scored in each division. Clubs must be current members of USATF or RRCA.
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Q:

I decided not to run the 2012 Boston Marathon because of the extreme heat. How do I know if I qualify for deferment to 2013?
A:

Deferment to the 2013 Boston marathon applies to official entrants (including charity runners or other waiver runners) ONLY, who claimed their bib number packet at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo through Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston.

RULES FOR DEFERMENT:

  • Runners must claim their bib number for deferment to be an option.  
  • In order to receive a deferment for 2013, race participants may NOT start the race. 
  • No refund for the 2012 entry will be given.  All entry fees for 2013 must be paid.
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Q:

How do I enter the Boston Marathon through the Charity Program?
A:
The Boston Athletic Association, committed to encouraging and promoting fitness through athletics, has developed a program to assist charitable organizations by providing guaranteed entries for fundraising. Please visit our Charity page for more details.
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Q:

Are bikes/strollers/skates/baby joggers/dogs allowed on the course of the B.A.A. 5K?
A:

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

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Q:

Are B.A.A. 5K awards presented according to official ("gun") time or net time?
A:

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

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Q:

How do I get party tickets to the pre-race or post-race parties?
A:

A complimentary ticket is included with your bib number packet. A limited number of additional tickets for both the pre-race dinner and post-race party may be purchased at the “Party Tickets” Booth when you pick up your number. Pre-race dinner: $20 per person; Post-race party: $20 per person. Tickets will NOT be available for sale on site at either event.

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Q:
I would like to take the opportunity do so some sightseeing in Boston. Any recommendations on where to go, public transportation, shopping, shows or other sporting events in the area?
A:
For all you want to know about Boston, please go to the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau website or to our Welcome to Boston page.
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Q:

What is the best way to make Boston Marathon hotel reservations and how do I know where the hotels are in relation to the finish area?
A:
Check Marathon Tours for a list of hotels that offer special rates and for the distance they are from the finish line. The official airline of the Boston Marathon is jetBlue, and in the months leading up to the Marathon, registered runners receive promotional codes for discounted jetting to Boston. Please visit www.marathontours.com, and www.jetblue.com.
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Q:

Is there a recommended hydration plan for running the Boston Marathon?
A:

You’re unique, so don’t copy other runners. Some runners need less fluid than you, while others will need more. Learn your individual hydration needs. Fluid needs vary widely and slower runners need to be very cautious with their fluid intake while faster runners may need to drink more to replace higher volume sweat losses.

For further information on the B.A.A. recommended hydration plan, click here

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B.A.A. Moment 6

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.

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