The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that the 2021 B.A.A. 5K will be held as a virtual race over Patriots’ Day weekend, April 16–18, 2021. Traditionally run through Boston’s Back Bay, the B.A.A. 5K will celebrate the spirit of improving fitness and getting active in 2021.
“Though the B.A.A. 5K will be held virtually, this year’s race will continue to unite athletes from around the globe as they cover the 5K distance and earn their coveted unicorn finisher’s medal,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. President and CEO. “While we can’t yet run together, we remain committed to fostering a community devoted to fitness and athletic competition as we look forward to the day when we can run together again in person.”
Registration for the B.A.A. 5K opens on Monday, February 1 through the B.A.A.’s newly launched online platform, Athletes’ Village, the central location for B.A.A. race and volunteer history, official race results, race updates, and race registration. Runners can create a free account prior to registration opening.
Three tiers of 2021 B.A.A. 5K registration will be offered to all participants:
- The Start Line Package ($45, unlimited) includes virtual B.A.A. 5K entry and a unicorn finisher’s medal.
- The Finish Line Package ($60, while supplies last) includes virtual entry to the B.A.A. 5K, a unicorn finisher’s medal, and adidas official participant shirt;
- The Unicorn Package ($65, while supplies last) includes virtual entry to the B.A.A. 5K, a unicorn finisher’s medal, adidas official participant shirt, and access to exclusive B.A.A. training programs created by B.A.A. High Performance coach and two-time Olympian Mark Carroll. The premium training programs will be available through a private group within the Athletes’ Village online platform and will include training videos, tips, Q&A sessions, and more. The training programs are tailored to athletes of all levels, whether aiming to run their first or fastest 5K.
To account for shipping, handling, and fees, international athletes will be charged an additional $20. There is no B.A.A. Distance Medley registration option for this year’s virtual race.
All entrants will also receive a virtual B.A.A. 5K toolkit featuring signature race elements including a personalized digital bib; downloadable start and finish lines; printable breaktape; mile markers; cheer cards; and digital finisher’s certificate.
When registering for the virtual race, participants will have an opportunity to donate and support Special Olympics Massachusetts, the official fundraising partner of the B.A.A. 5K.
First run in 2009, the B.A.A. 5K traditionally kicks off Boston Marathon weekend each April. The 2020 edition of the B.A.A. 5K was also virtual, held as part of the 2020 B.A.A. #finishSTRONG Challenge.
The 125th Boston Marathon was postponed from April to Fall 2021; a date has not yet been established. Race updates will be shared when available in the Athletes’ Village platform in addition to www.baa.org and across Boston Marathon social media platforms.