In the News

For Immediate Release

October 13, 2011

B.A.A. announces inaugural three-race series

with $100,000 to male and female winners.

B.A.A. 5k, B.A.A. 10k, and B.A.A. Half Marathon to comprise

new B.A.A. Distance Medley.

BOSTON – In anticipation of its upcoming 125^th Anniversary in 2012, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced the establishment of a three-race series. The B.A.A. Distance Medley will begin with the B.A.A. 5K on April 15, 2012, followed by the B.A.A. 10K on June 24, and the B.A.A. Half Marathon on October 7.  Each of the three races will have its own prize purse. In addition, the male and female series champions will earn $100,000 in prize money.

Scoring for the B.A.A. Distance Medley will be based on total, elapsed time.  For example, someone who runs 14:00 minutes at the 5K, 29:00 at the 10K and 1:04:30 for the Half Marathon would end the series with a time of 1:47:30.  This unique scoring system is intended to maximize interest in the series among runners, the general public, and the media.

Everyone who completes all three races will be awarded a special commemorative medal for the series in addition to receiving a finisher’s medal for each race.

First race of Distance Medley            Second race of Distance Medley      Third race of Distance Medley

Event: B.A.A. 5K                                 B.A.A. 10K                                B.A.A. Half Marathon

Date: Sunday, April 15                        Sunday, June 24                     Sunday, October 7

Start time:   8:00 a.m.                                 8:00 a.m.                                 8:30 a.m.

Distance: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)        10 kilometers (6.2 miles)                 13.1 miles

Start/finish: Copley Square, Boston         Boston Common              Franklin Park, Boston

Established: 2009                                         2011                                         2001

Registration for each event will be held on the B.A.A.’s web site: www.baa.org

Athletes contending for the series title will be posted to a leader board on the B.A.A. web site.

Each of the three events comprising the B.A.A. Distance Medley starts and finishes at a different, iconic Boston venue and showcases a different part of the City.  The B.A.A. makes annual contributions to city services, agencies or advocacy groups. Beneficiaries include the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Boston Park Rangers, Franklin Park Zoo, and Friends of the Public Garden.

Youth races will be held in conjunction with each event.

“B.A.A. races offer runners uncommon racing opportunities in Boston,” said Thomas S. Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director. “We appreciate the partnership we enjoy with the Mayor’s Office which highlights this renowned, running city.”

“In 2012, the B.A.A. Distance Medley will give Boston a series of races unique to the sport and is yet another way we are promoting our neighborhoods and our citizens,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Together with the B.A.A., we are encouraging health, fitness and an active lifestyle by providing inspirational opportunities in which anyone may participate.”

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors along with the Virgin London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the ING New York City Marathon. Nearly 50,000 runners will have participated in B.A.A. events in 2011.

Media:
For further information, please contact the B.A.A.’s Jack Fleming at 617-778-1627(fleming@baa.org); or, T.K. Skenderian at 617-778-1632 (tk@baa.org).

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