News & Press

“We regret the news we recently received on the passing of Mr. Doroteo Flores, of Guatemala, the Boston Marathon’s first Latin American champion in 1952,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director.

The B.A.A. Half Marathon begins and ends in Boston’s scenic Franklin Park at 8:30 a.m. on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend. After leaving the park, the race takes runners along Boston and Brookline’s Emerald Necklace park system on an out-and-back route that puts autumn’s foliage on full display. In addition to the nearly 7,000 runners expected to compete, a field of international athletes will vie for a combined prize purse of $30,000.

Under overcast skies and a starting temperature of 65 degrees, the Boston Athletic Association added a new chapter in their 124th year history with the inaugural running of the B.A.A. 10K. Starting and finishing in Boston Common, 3,060 runners competed along Commonwealth Avenue and past Boston University, before making the turn-around at Babcock Street and heading back to the finish.

Arriving at B.A.A. headquarters minutes before a press roundtable, the Kenyan trio of Mutai, Kilel and Mosop scoped out the historic pieces of memorabilia lining the halls – including some of their own relics from April’s history-making race. Despite the trophies, awards, and old sneakers, there was one piece in particular, just over two months old, which caught their immediate attention. It was the television race replay, which was playing on a screen close by.

This was the first time the three had seen themselves running the streets between Hopkinton and Boston. Soon Gebremariam joined in, and it was as if the four were watching it unfold live.

Chelanga burst onto the scene at Liberty University, where he won four National Championships, including back-to-back NCAA Cross Country titles as a junior and senior.  Chelanga not only left his mark on the collegiate scene, but also the world scene in 2010.  His personal best of 27:08.39 on the track ranked as the fourth fastest time in the world last year.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time Boston Marathon Champion Joan Benoit Samuelson, and four-time Boston Marathon Champion Bill Rodgers will compete in the inaugural B.A.A. 10K on June 26.

Samuelson recently ran the 2011 Boston Marathon in a time of 2:51:29, winning the 50-54 age group division. Rodgers served as the grand marshal of the Patriots’ Day race, and ran the race in 2009.

National Running Day is a country-wide effort encouraging healthy and fit lifestyles through the benefits of the sport. No matter your abilities, National Running Day is a chance for everyone to lace up their sneakers and get moving. In the Boston area, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE are two of the most visible and recognizable promoters of running. Around the country, numerous other running organizations and initiatives are taking place throughout the day.

To celebrate the day, the B.A.A. and USATF-NE invite all runners, as well as those interested in giving running a try, to participate in the USATF-NE Mini Meet free of charge. The meet offers novices and newcomers a chance to try various running events. Sign-up and registration occurs on-site at the event. There is no pre-registration.