Info For Athletes

Registration for the 2025 Boston Half opened in July and has now closed.

Add meaning to your miles with Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund! Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has partnered with the Boston Half since 2003 as the race’s presenting sponsor and exclusive charity team. Through this relationship, Dana-Farber runners have collectively raised more than $10 million to support groundbreaking cancer research, and enabled Dana-Farber scientists and clinicians to positively impact the lives of cancer patients around the world. Runners interested in fundraising for Dana-Farber can learn more by clicking below.

Dress in layers – Choose a highly breathable base layer (this is what you should wear the closest to your skin). A wicking material will move the moisture away from your skin, making you feel more comfortable on your run. Wear a looser, second layer of breathable material. Fleece would be a good choice for this layer on a cold day. This adds insulation between your base layer and outer layer. The outer layer should be breathable, wind-resistant, and water-resistant material.

Wear a hat – Your uncovered head is responsible for 40% of heat loss. Try wearing a headband if a hat feels too hot.

Protect your hands – Mittens are warmer than gloves because the body heat from the fingers warm each other.

Wear warm socks – Socks made of synthetic fibers wick moisture away from your skin. Try to avoid cotton socks.

Don’t forget the sunscreen – The sun is still strong, even during the month of November.

Don’t overdress – Dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than the temperature. You will warm up after you get moving!

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.

The B.A.A. provides transportation race morning for runners, volunteers, and families from Copley Square and Forest Hills MBTA station. Shuttles will run consistently race morning starting at 5:30AM and dropping off on Seaver Street outside of Franklin Park. Return shuttles to Copley Square and Forrest Hills will also pickup on Seaver Street following the race until 12:00PM.

Anyone planning to use a rideshare service on race morning should use 168 Seaver Street for a convenient drop off location.

There is no parking available in Franklin Park for participants or spectators.

Gear check is available near the start area in Franklin Park. 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 in Franklin Park before or after the race.

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

On race day, athletes, volunteers, and spectators may use the Lactation Tent in the Start/Finish area at Franklin Park. The tent will operate from 6:45 a.m. to 11:30 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.

Please allocate an additional 20 minutes to your pre-race timeline to ensure you have enough time to use the Lactation Tent and check any gear. 

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. There will be a designated receptacle inside the Lactation Tent for breast milk disposal.

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.  If you plan to use the B.A.A. shuttle service before or after the race, please note that we do not have the capacity for strollers or other large items on the shuttle buses.

After using the Lactation Tent, please remember to take all your personal belongings and pumping or breastfeeding equipment with you. Athletes can use the Gear Check service at Franklin Park to store 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 at the Boston Half, 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 and Lemon Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula will be available on course. Maurten will also be available on course. 

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 Boston Half. 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 three hours from the time the last participant crosses the start line. The finish line closes at 11:15 a.m.

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