The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that registration for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will open on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 a.m. The virtual race is open only to participants who were originally entered in the Boston Marathon scheduled for April 20, 2020.
“The world cannot come to Boston this year, so we will bring the Boston Marathon to the world through a virtual experience that captures the spirit, community, and celebration of the race,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O of the B.A.A. “The 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will allow participants to be part of Boston Marathon history."
The cost to register for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will be $50. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, July 7, participants will be emailed their unique registration code. The first 15,000 registrants will receive a Pre-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing a commemorative 2020 Boston Marathon bib and training items from Clif Bar, Poland Spring, Abbott, and more.
All finishers of the 124th Boston Marathon will receive a Post-Race Package delivered by Amazon containing their Boston Marathon Official Participant shirt, unicorn finisher’s medal, Official 2020 Boston Marathon Program, Sam Adams 124th Boston Marathon bottle opener, and additional celebratory items. The limited edition Pre- and Post-Race Packages will be branded in the Boston Marathon blue and gold and feature the iconic B.A.A. unicorn.
All registrants will receive access to a unique Boston Marathon Virtual Experience platform where runners can track and upload their 26.2-mile results, view leaderboards and standings, and download a virtual tool kit. The platform, which will be available in a to-be-launched application as well as in a web-based platform, will feature unique Boston Marathon audio cues to enhance the pre-race and race experience. To be considered a finisher of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, entrants must complete 26.2 miles in one continuous run on any day between September 7–14 and submit proof of completion to the B.A.A. Participants will not have a time limit by which to complete their race, but are required to complete the full marathon distance continuously on the same day.
The Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will also engage the more than 10,000 volunteers who originally registered to assist with events throughout April’s canceled race weekend. All volunteers will be encouraged to give back to their local communities in a way that celebrates the spirit of the Boston Marathon. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to receive their Official 2020 Volunteer Jacket or donate it to a frontline worker.
Leading up to September’s race week, participants will receive more information on the virtual experience. Participant newsletters will provide information on training tips, summer running, hydration, and tips on creating your own 26.2-mile course.
The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20, 2020, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. All entrants were offered a full refund of entry fees associated with April’s race.