Press Release - Boston Marathon - 9/12/22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            B.A.A. Establishes Inaugural Boston Marathon Medical 
                          Research Funding Program              

BOSTON-The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced a new 
research funding opportunity for scientific researchers surrounding the 
Boston Marathon. The 127th Boston Marathon will be held on April 17, 2023, 
featuring a field size of 30,000 participants.

The newly formalized B.A.A. medical research funding program will provide 
an annual request for proposal to conduct research at the world's oldest 
annual marathon. Investigators will be asked to submit scientific proposals 
for projects which will be considered in conjunction with the race.

"Scientific research related to athletic performance and health and safety 
is a long-standing tradition at the Boston Marathon," said Michael P. 
O'Leary, MD, MPH, and Chairman of the B.A.A. Board. "The Boston Marathon 
medical research program will promote future work to address key areas of 
clinical and scientific research relevant to endurance athletes."

Clinical and scientific questions surrounding athlete health and 
performance are often studied in field projects such as organized road 
races. Over the last several decades, at least one study has been annually 
conducted in conjunction with the April event.

All proposals received by the October 31, 2022 submission deadline will be 
considered by B.A.A. leadership, medical directors and an external panel of 
scientific experts. Awardees will be chosen and notified with ample time to 
secure institutional review board approval. This program will provide 
investigators with a one-time itemized budget of up to $25,000 to complete 
the proposed work, though the B.A.A. may choose multiple proposals at lower 
amounts to support depending on submissions received.

Proposals for field studies aimed at delineating key aspects of athlete 
health and performance are encouraged, as are studies inclusive of Para 
athletes and studies that examine issues related to gender and diversity. 
Proposals and any program questions should be emailed to  
for review and response by the B.A.A.

Information on submission requirements, judgement criteria, and a timeline 
of the Medical Research Funding Program can be found here.  

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