FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jack Fleming
617-778-1627
B.A.A. Renews Financial Commitment to Boston Marathon® Host Communities,
Providing $2.7 Million from 2013-2015
Three-Year, Increased Contribution to Marathon's
Eight Cities and Towns and Commonwealth Recognizes Support
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced its
renewed financial commitment to the eight host cities and towns of the
historic Boston Marathon® course. The B.A.A. has pledged its financial
support over a three-year term from 2013 through 2015, with contributions
increasing annually.
The total contribution in 2013 of $858,000 reflects an increase from last
year of nearly seven percent. Over the next three years, the B.A.A. will
make a $2.7 million contribution to the eight cities and towns and the
Commonwealth. The B.A.A.'s financial support of the host communities of the
Boston Marathon reflects its appreciation for successful cooperation with
the Marathon communities in hosting the world's most prestigious marathon.
Through the strong support of John Hancock Financial Services, principal
sponsor of the Boston Marathon since 1986, the B.A.A. has made financial
contributions to the marathon's host communities. The financial commitment
continues in recognition of the expenses for logistical, operational and
administrative course support provided for the towns of Hopkinton, Ashland,
Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Brookline, the cities of Newton and
Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This year (2013) marks the
28th consecutive year of John Hancock Financial's landmark principal
sponsorship of the Boston Marathon.
"We are appreciative of the enthusiastic support that we receive from the
host communities along the Boston Marathon course, and we are pleased to
make this three-year financial commitment," said Tom Grilk, B.A.A.
Executive Director. "Through careful planning, and with the cooperation of
these communities and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we are able to
showcase the world's oldest annual marathon with great pride. With the
gracious support of the Boston Marathon's principal sponsor John Hancock
Financial Services, we'll continue to support the Marathon communities. It
also remains our hope that some funds from our donation be directed towards
youth and community programs whenever and wherever possible."
The distribution takes into account the location of each city or town along
the course, the impact of the Marathon in the community, and the planning
associated with the race. The Boston Marathon is a 26.2-mile,
point-to-point course which begins in Hopkinton adjacent to the Town Common
and finishes on Boylston Street in front of the Boston Public Library near
Copley Square in Back Bay.
Last year, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated the
economic impact of Boston Marathon® weekend at approximately $137 million.
In addition, dozens of local charitable organizations benefit through their
own fund raising efforts at the Boston Marathon each year with entry made
possible by the Boston Athletic Association and John Hancock Financial.
More than $18 million is estimated to be raised in 2013.
As an example of the cooperation received for the Boston Marathon, last
year residents and representatives from the eight cities and towns along
with the Commonwealth added significant resources in a variety of forms to
benefit runners who were participating under unseasonably warm weather
conditions.
The B.A.A. recognizes the host communities in other ways throughout the
year, including an allocation of entries into the Boston Marathon which may
be used for fund raising and the B.A.A. Invitational Mile/Middle School
1000 meter races held the day before the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A.
Mile/Middle School 1000 meters features youths exclusively from the eight
cities and towns of the Boston Marathon course and is held on Boston
Marathon weekend. The one-mile race offers these high school runners a
chance to compete on the same course was world class athletes.
About the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887 and now in its 125th Anniversary year, 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 international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin,
Chicago, and New York City. The 117th Boston Marathon will be held on
Monday, April 15, 2013. Nearly 50,000 runners will participate in B.A.A.
events in 2013.
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