Info For Athletes

Registration for the 2026 B.A.A. 10K will open March 18, 2026, within Athletes’ Village.

Race Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

Entry Fee: $80

All athletes will receive an adidas B.A.A. 10K participant shirt plus race day amenities and unicorn finisher medal. Entries are non-transferrable, non-deferrable, and non-refundable.

Entrants must be 12 years old on race day to participate in the Boston 10K. The 2026 B.A.A. 10K is WPA-approved and eligible for National, Americas, and World Records

Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is the presenting sponsor and exclusive fundraiser of the B.A.A. 10K. Every day, people from around the world turn to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute for expert care informed by the latest research. United by a shared mission of improving the health of people everywhere, together we are transforming treatment of diseases and conditions that impact us all. The B.A.A. 10K marks a special opportunity to bring the B.A.A. community together to support this life-changing work.

Train for race day with Training Plans developed by B.A.A. Coaches. Learn more here.

The B.A.A. advises all athletes to take some very basic steps to ensure your safety while running during warm or hot days. Hot and humid days are not the time to over-push for a personal best. Slow down and stay safe.

Remember: high humidity levels decrease your ability to evaporate sweat, which is how your body cools.

If you have a history of exertional heat illness, significant prior medical conditions (including heart or blood pressure problems or known seizure disorder), or have not trained to run this distance in hot conditions we advise that you do not run.

1. Reduce your normal race pace: slow down!  If the temperatures are warmer than normal, don’t worry about running a personal best or running at a pace faster than your training. Run at a slower pace, run in the shade when possible, walk if you are feeling too warm, and seek medical attention if you are feeling the effects of heat Illness.
2. Keep in mind that the harder you work/run, the more heat your body will produce. If you are starting to feel the effects of the heat, slow down, stop if needed, and rest. Listen to your body!
3. Know when to stop and recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. General warning signs include headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or loss of coordination. If you feel disoriented, confused, dizzy, or nauseous, stop immediately, find a cool place and seek help immediately from medical staff or course marshals.
4. Recognize early warning signs of dehydration. Dark yellow urine, loss of energy, dizziness, loss of coordination, muscle cramps, and headaches are all common warnings.
5. Rehydrate as needed. How much you drink depends on your size and how hot it is during the run. A normal rule of thumb is to drink six to eight ounces of fluid (water or sports drink) every 15 minutes of exercise in the heat. By weighing in before and after a workout or run, you can determine exactly how much fluid is lost during your run.  Remember: approximately a pint of fluid will replace one pound of weight loss during exercise.  On a very hot day, you can increase your fluid intake as much as 25% from this formula. Pre-hydrate, drink to thirst, and again when you complete the race.
6. If you have heart or respiratory condition, or you are on any medications, we encourage you to not run. Know your body and limitations.
7. If you have a history of heatstroke/heat illness, significant prior medical conditions, or have not trained to run this distance in hot conditions, consider not running or run with extreme caution. Consult your physician if you have a history of heat illness.
8. If you have had the COVID-19 virus in the past and are still experiencing fatigue and other post COVID-19 symptoms, evaluate your pace and effort in this type of climate.
9. Drink your fluids. Pouring water over your head feels great, but it does not necessarily help reduce your body temperature or prevent heat illness.
10. Wear light clothing and sweat-wicking clothing. If you need to wear a hat, use a sun visor to protect your face from the sun.
11. Use sunscreen to protect your skin. SPF 50 or higher is recommended.
12. Avoid drinking coffee or any drinks with caffeine prior to the race.

U.S. residents will be mailed their bib number prior to the event. International residents (including Canada) may claim their bib number at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.

If you misplace your bib, or it gets damaged, a replacement bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day.

A valid government issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number. Only registered participants may claim their bib number.

The timing and scoring device is affixed to the back of your bib number and should not be removed from the bib. Please wear your bib number on the front of your torso on your outer-most layer.

MBTA: For a complete map and schedule, please visit www.mbta.com. Boylston and Arlington are the closest Green Line stops, while Chinatown is the closest Orange Line station.

PARKING: The B.A.A. recommends that participants park at the Garage at 100 Clarendon in Boston’s Back Bay. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods but is limited.

RIDESHARE: Charles Street will close at 5:00 a.m. and drop-off access near the start line will be blocked. If you plan on being dropped off on race morning, please plan to do so on Tremont Street or Beacon Street.

Gear check is available near the start area on Boston Common. You must use the plastic bag provided by the B.A.A. to check your belongings. Use the gear check tag affixed to your bib number to identify your bag once the race has concluded. Do not check valuables. The B.A.A. is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

Athletes can claim their participant shirt on race day at the Shirt Distribution Tent, which is located on Boston Common by the start/finish area. Shirt distribution will be available between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on race day.

Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.

On race day, athletes, volunteers, and spectators may use the Lactation Tent located in the Start/Finish area on Boston Common. The tent will operate from 6:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is specifically designated for pumping and breastfeeding purposes.

There will be signage and volunteers at the Lactation Tent to assist with wayfinding and access into the tent.

To ensure you have time to access the tent and check any gear, please allocate an additional 20 minutes to your pre-race timeline.

The Lactation Tent is fully enclosed and divided into two separate lactation spaces. Each space is equipped with a table, two chairs, power outlets, a plastic table cover, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes.

Please note, the B.A.A. does not provide pumping or breastfeeding equipment. Individuals must bring their own breast pump and any additional accessories needed for lactation or breastfeeding.

Inside the Lactation Tent, there will be a designated receptacle for individuals who need to dispose of breast milk.

After using the Lactation Tent, please take all your personal belongings and equipment used for pumping or breastfeeding with you. Athletes can utilize the Gear Check service on Boston Common to store any belongings during the race — please refer to the Gear Check section above for details.

To maintain cleanliness and hygiene for the next user of the Lactation Tent, please use the sanitizing equipment provided and practice personal responsibility.

For any questions about the Lactation Accommodations available at the B.A.A. 10K, please contact accountservices@baa.org

The race will start at 8:00 a.m. Athletes will be seeded according to their expected pace-per-mile.  Signs will be positioned near the start area to indicate your start position.

The timing and scoring system will begin recording your time once you cross the starting line.

FLUID STATIONS: Poland Spring® Brand Natural Spring Water will be available at mile 1, 2, 4, and 5. Lemon Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula will be available at Mile 4

TOILETS: For your convenience, an ample number of portable toilets will be placed near the start/finish area and along the course. Participants are requested to respect the surrounding private and public property by using the portable toilets provided.

Medical personnel will be on site for emergency care as well as to attend to critical and non-critical injuries.

MarathonFoto is the official photographer of the B.A.A. 10K. All entrants will receive an email following the race with details regarding the purchase of event photographs.

For safety reasons, strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and similar vehicles of any kind), and animals are not permitted.

Results will be posted online after the race concludes at www.baa.org, and within the B.A.A. Racing App. An electronic timing system will enable you to receive your net time, which will be your official time.

The timing and scoring tag will be affixed to the back of your bib, and must not be bent, creased, or cracked for you to be scored, timed, and to appear among the results as an official finisher.

To be recognized as an official finisher, you must complete the event within the allotted time of two hours. The finish line closes at 10:30 a.m.

Age group winners will be notified after the race regarding their prize.