Fifteen runners will be part of the B.A.A.’s inaugural charity team
BOSTON - Today, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced the formation of a team of fundraising athletes who will run on behalf of the organization’s community engagement efforts at the 123rd Boston Marathon on April 15, 2019. The B.A.A.’s team will consist of 15 participants raising funds to support the B.A.A.’s mission of bringing the benefits of running and healthy lifestyles to the greater community. The newly formed team will also be one of 36 organizations that are part of the B.A.A.’s Official Charity Program for the 2019 Boston Marathon. Information regarding submitting applications to be part of the B.A.A.’s team can be found below.
“Having a team of dedicated B.A.A. fundraisers will help us extend our impact throughout the community, and provide us the chance to directly impact youths within the Greater Boston area,” said B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer Tom Grilk. “While we already have organized and supported many events that foster accessibility to running, the efforts of the B.A.A. team will help us expand the impact of our work and create new opportunities for programming and events.”
The Boston Athletic Association has long been a leader in community engagement initiatives in the Greater Boston community. Starting in 1997, the B.A.A. has annually held a youth Relay Challenge on Boston Marathon weekend that provides local schools and programs the opportunity to race down Boylston Street. Over the past 21 years, more than 17,200 children have participated in the Relay Challenge, with some going on to run at the high school, college, and elite level.
Each fall, the B.A.A. hosts the Boston Middle School Cross Country Championships at Franklin Park, allowing inner-city youths the chance to compete at Franklin Park. In addition, the B.A.A. is in year three of presenting the Boston Marathon Youth Jamboree, a fun-filled day of races and activities for children in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. At the Jamboree, youngsters get to meet and learn from Olympians, Paralympians, elite athletes, top coaches, and local mascots.
Other community initiatives the B.A.A. supports include the Road to Wellness 5K in Roxbury; the Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Meet in October; and the Pursuit Program each April. The Pursuit Program – in partnership with Wings of America and Harvard University – commemorates the legacy of Native distance runners by inviting American Indian youth to Boston to explore local universities and experience the excitement of Boston Marathon weekend.
As part of the 2019 Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, the B.A.A.’s fundraising team will feature 15 participants. Anyone interested in submitting an application to run for the team is encouraged to apply via the B.A.A. website, www.baa.org. As part of the B.A.A. fundraising team, participants will receive coaching and training assistance; race day perks including private bussing and access to a special pre-start area in Hopkinton; a team uniform; and other additional benefits. The fundraising minimum is $5,000.
All funds raised will help expand the aforementioned youth and community activities, while also providing additional opportunities for enhancement and the potential introduction of new events. The goal of the B.A.A.’s team is to foster an even greater platform to spread the benefits of health and fitness through the community.
“The B.A.A. fundraising team will be a great addition to the 2019 Boston Marathon Official Charity Program,” said Nicole Juri, Charity Partnerships Manager at the B.A.A. “We are excited to welcome 15 runners onto the team, and look forward to the team’s impact both near and far.”
In 2018, Boston Marathon participants who ran on behalf of more than 260 non-profit organizations raised $36.6 million for charity. Total funds included $19.2 million raised through the B.A.A.’s Official Charity Program, $13.1 million raised through John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program, and $4.3 million from other qualified and invitational runners.
To learn more about the B.A.A.’s fundraising team and the application process, please visit www.baa.org, or contact Elizabeth Giroux at lgiroux@baa.org.