BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is now accepting applications from scientific researchers interested in being part of the 2027 Boston Marathon Medical Research Program at the 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be run on April 19, 2027.
The B.A.A. Medical Research Funding Program provides an annual request for proposal for scientific researchers to conduct research at the world’s oldest annual marathon. Investigators are asked to submit scientific proposals for projects that can be conducted in conjunction with the race.
The Boston Marathon has a long-standing tradition of supporting clinical and physiologic research, with published medical studies dating back to the early 1900s. Clinical and scientific questions surrounding athlete health and performance are often studied in field projects such as organized road races.
All applications received by the August 1, 2026, submission deadline will be considered by B.A.A. leadership, medical directors and an external panel of scientific experts. Awardees will be chosen and notified with ample time to secure institutional review board approval.
Proposals for field studies aimed at delineating key aspects of athlete health and performance are encouraged, as are studies inclusive of Para athletes and studies that examine issues related to gender and diversity. Proposals and any program questions should be emailed to medical@baa.org for review and response by the B.A.A.
Information on submission requirements, judgement criteria, and a timeline of the Medical Research Funding Program can be found here.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 131st Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 19, 2026.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Cape Town, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Chris Lotsbom
Director of Race Communications & Media
Clotsbom@baa.org
Celia Oswitch
Manager of Communications
Coswitch@baa.org