Boston 10K PARTICIPANT BASICS

Presented by Brigham and Women's Hospital

 
The 2024 Boston 10K presented by Brigham and Women's Hospital will take place on Sunday, June 23rd.
BIB NUMBER INFORMATION
  • U.S. residents will be mailed their bib number and race information 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 between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.
  • A valid government issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
  • Only registered participants may claim bib number.
  • Check that your registration information is correctly imprinted upon your bib number.
  • Do not fold or forcefully bend your 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.
  • Bib numbers cannot be refunded, deferred, or transferred.
  • If inaccuracies appear on the bib number, or your bib number appears damaged, please send an email to accountservices@baa.org, or visit the Athlete Services Tent near the start area between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.
SHIRT DISTRIBUTION
  • Athletes can claim their participant shirt race day at the Shirt Distribution Tent, which is located on Boston Common by the start/finish area.
  • Shirt distribution will only be available race day between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on race day.
  • Athletes may claim their shirt before or after their race.
  • Athletes are required to show their bib number to claim their participant shirt.
  • Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
WARM WEATHER RUNNING ADVICE

The Boston Athletic Association and our medical team advise all athletes to take some very basic steps to ensure your safety while running during warm or hot days. The forecast calls for humid conditions with temperatures in the 70s/80s Fahrenheit. Please take into consideration the following tips to have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Boston 10K.

1. Reduce your normal race pace: slow down! If the weather conditions on race day present warm temperatures and humid conditions, then this race is not the day to worry about running a personal best or running at a pace faster than your training. We highly recommend that you run at a slower pace, 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. Heat isn’t the only concern on warm weather days: humidity is also very important. With few humid days to this point in the season, many athletes have yet to acclimatize or train in humid conditions. 

When running in a humid climate, the additional moisture from the atmosphere sticking to your skin limits your body’s ability to cool off by interfering with sweat evaporation, which is your body’s primary means to cool your core temperature.  

When this evaporation is limited due to humidity, the body can quickly overheat. For this reason, we recommend paying equal, if not more, attention to the humidity levels as you do the outdoor temperature.

4. Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. General warning signs include headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or loss of coordination. 

5. Recognize early warning signs of dehydration. Dark yellow urine, loss of energy, dizziness, loss of coordination, muscle cramps, and headaches are all common warnings. 

6. 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. Weighing your body before and after a workout or run can help 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% based on this calculation. 

7. If you have heart, respiratory issues, or other medical conditions, or if you are on any medications, consult your doctor about running in the heat. Know your body and limitations.

8. If you have a history of heatstroke/illness, run with extreme caution. 

9. 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.

10. Drink your fluids. Pouring water over your head feels great, but it does not necessarily help reduce your body temperature or prevent heat illness.

11. Wear light colored clothing. If you need to wear a hat, use a sun visor to protect your face from the sun. 

12. Use at least an SP 30 sunscreen to protect your skin.  

13. Avoid drinking coffee or any energy drinks with caffeine prior to the race. 

Safety Tips

It is important to be safe when running in hot weather. Here are some things to keep in mind.

  • On hot and humid days, slow your pace.  The higher your energy expenditure, the higher your body core temp increases.
  • Understand how heat and humidity can impact your ability to cool.
  • Dress for the weather – wear light colored clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen (SP30 or higher).
  • Avoid dehydration by pre-hydrating, but do not drink too much.
  • Know the signs of heat illness and heat stroke and get help when needed.
  • Talk to a healthcare provider about your medical history before running in the heat.
GETTING TO BOSTON COMMON
MBTA STATIONS For a complete map and schedule, please visit www.mbta.com.
Chinatown is the closest Orange Line station.
Boylston and Arlington stations are also nearby stops on the Green Line.
PARKING The B.A.A. recommends that B.A.A. 10K runners park at the Garage at 100 Clarendon in Boston’s Back Bay.
On-street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and Back Bay is available, but limited.
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP

Please note that 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 between West Street and Avery Street.

GEAR CHECK
  • 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.
START INFORMATION
  • Race will start at 8:00am
  • The start line is on Charles Street between the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.
  • 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.
  • Your net time will be your official time.
TIMING & RESULTS
  • 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. 
  • Wear bib number on the front of your torso on your outer-most layer. 
  • Results will be posted online after the race concludes at www.baa.org.
  • To be recognized as an official finisher, you must complete the event within the allotted time of two hours from the time the last athlete crosses the start line (approximately 8:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.).
  • Age group winners will be notified after the race regarding their prize.
  • An awards ceremony for the top three open men and women, and the top male and female wheelchair athlete, is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on race day.
LACTATION ACCOMMODATIONS
  • 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
ALONG THE COURSE
FLUID STATIONS Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water will be available at mile 1, 2, 4, and 5. Lemon Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula will be available at Mile 4.
PORTABLE TOILETS For your convenience, an ample number of portable toilets will be placed near the start/finish area before and after the race.
Please use these units.
Participants are requested to respect the surrounding private and public property by using the portable toilets provided.
Portable toilets will be placed along the course at every water station.
DROP-OUT & PROHIBITED ITEMS Athletes unable to finish the race may stop at the medical facility at the turn-around point along the course for assistance and direction.
Sweep vans will follow the race, picking up runners unable to finish the course.
For safety reasons, strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and similar vehicles of any kind), and animals are not permitted.
The use of headphones is permitted but discouraged.
COURSE CLOCKS AND MILE SIGNAGE Digital clocks, positioned at every mile and at the finish line, will indicate the unofficial time from the starter’s gun.
THE FINISH At the finish, you will receive your finisher’s medal.
Volunteers will then direct you to the refreshment areas for Gatorade, Poland Spring Water, and other refreshments, as well as t-shirt pick-up.
MEDICAL Medical personnel will be on site for emergency care as well as to attend to critical and non-critical injuries.
PHOTOGRAPHY MarathonFoto is the official photographer of the B.A.A. 10K.
Each entrant will receive an email following the race with details regarding the purchase of event photographs.
2023 Course Map