BOSTON (1-April) – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced the Grand Marshal for the 123rd Boston Marathon, to be run on Monday, April 15, 2019. Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon, will serve as Grand Marshal on Patriots’ Day, leading the way for 30,000 participants on their journey from Hopkinton to Boston.
The Boston Marathon is the oldest consecutively run marathon in the world and is annually held on Patriots’ Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For the 34th year, John Hancock is the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.
Five years ago, Keflezighi broke the finish tape in memorable fashion with a time of 2:08:37, becoming the first American man since 1983 to win the open division of the Boston Marathon. His victory was especially significant considering it came one year after the tragic acts of April 15, 2013. Keflezighi sported the names of those lost on his bib number as he ran in front towards Boylston Street.
A four-time Olympian, Keflezighi is the only athlete in history to have won both the Boston and New York City Marathons and an Olympic Marathon medal. As Grand Marshal, he will once again lead the field, this time riding in an INFINITI QX50, the official vehicle of the Boston Marathon, from Hopkinton to Boston.
Throughout race week, Keflezighi will also serve as a John Hancock Elite Athlete Ambassador, cheering on participants and making many appearances including at the Boston Marathon Expo, Runner Seminar Series, and at Boston Marathon Fan Fest on Copley Square Park. Keflezighi recently published a book titled 26 Marathons.
“We are proud to welcome back Meb on the five year anniversary of his triumphant victory,” said Tom Grilk, Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “Running to the chants of ‘USA! USA!’, Meb’s victory five years ago was a symbolic moment that transcended sports. Meb helped our entire community celebrate the resilient and determined spirit of Boston, and we look forward to having him back in Boston as Grand Marshal of this year’s race.”
The B.A.A. also today released a detailed schedule of events celebrating Boston Marathon week. Members of the media are encouraged to attend and cover all events.
2019 BOSTON MARATHON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
*Please note all times, dates, and locations are subject to change.
Monday, April 8
Hopkinton Ceremonial Blue Line Painting: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hopkinton, MA
Officials from the B.A.A. and Town of Hopkinton come together to ceremonially paint a blue line at the start, signaling one week to go until the 123rd Boston Marathon. The blue line will extend for the first and last mile of the Boston Marathon route. This year marks the first occasion of the Hopkinton blue line painting.
Wednesday, April 10
Hopkinton Start Line Painting (Weather Permitting): Time To Be Announced
Main Street, Hopkinton
The Boston Marathon start line will be painted in Hopkinton, welcoming 30,000 athletes to the town center. This event is weather dependent, and timing will be announced prior to April 10.
Thursday, April 11
John Hancock Scholars & Stars in Hopkinton: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hopkinton
John Hancock brings the elite Kenyan runners together with Hopkinton elementary students for a pre-race pep rally in the historic town where the Marathon begins. Students study the culture of their running friends throughout the year.
Boston Finish Line Application (Weather Permitting): Time To Be Announced
Boylston Street, Boston
A replica of the Boston Marathon finish line is painted on Boylston Street year-round for all to see. Days before the Boston Marathon, an adhesive decal graphic is placed over the painted line as the B.A.A. and the City of Boston prepare for the 123rd Boston Marathon.
B.A.A. Media Conference: 2:30 p.m.
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
The 2019 Boston Marathon opening press conference will feature B.A.A. officials and will highlight new elements to this year’s event, including the Boston Marathon Fan Fest on Copley Square Park. The B.A.A. will also feature other significant topics regarding the Boston Marathon. More details will be available in upcoming media advisories.
Friday, April 12
John Hancock Elite Athlete Team Media Conference: 10:00 a.m.
Oval & Venetian Rooms, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Principal sponsor John Hancock presents the top competitors running the 123rd Boston Marathon, including champions, Olympians, Abbott World Marathon Majors event champions, and top Americans. Media are provided individual interview opportunities. Credentials are required for this event.
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
The Boston Marathon Expo features more than 200 exhibitors and is widely regarded as the running industry’s premier showcase for new products, services, and events. The Boston Marathon Expo is where registered athletes pick up their official race numbers.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
New for 2019, Boston Marathon Fan Fest features live music, a training clinic with Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi beginning at 5:00 p.m., activity stations for runners of all ages, and more! Fan Fest is the place to relax and soak in the spirit of Boston Marathon weekend. A lineup of events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/fan-fest.
Saturday, April 13
B.A.A. 5K: 8:00 a.m.
Boston Common, Boston
An estimated 10,000 participants, from elite athletes to weekend warriors, will take part in the eleventh annual B.A.A. 5K from Boston Common. The race course will pass over the Boston Marathon finish line. Race registration opened to the general public in February. The race is currently sold out.
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
B.A.A. Invitational Mile: 10:30 a.m.
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
The B.A.A. Invitational Mile features some of the top professional milers in the world, as well as scholastic milers from each of the eight host cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route.
B.A.A. Relay Challenge: 1:00 p.m.
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
More than 20 middle schools from around Greater Boston will convene for the 23rd consecutive year for the B.A.A. Relay Challenge. In the culmination of a month-long program taught by volunteer coaches, the relay challenge will feature students from all of the schools competing near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
Various events and activities throughout the day, including live music and photo-ops with a replica of the Boston Marathon Champion’s Trophy built by LEGO. A lineup of events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/fan-fest.
Sunday, April 14
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
Defending Champions Panel & Abbott World Marathon Majors Check Presentation: 12:15 p.m.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest, Copley Square Park
Three-time Super Bowl champion and Boston Marathoner Tedy Bruschi will host a Defending Champions Panel featuring Desiree Linden, Yuki Kawauchi, Tatyana McFadden, and Marcel Hug, followed by an Abbott World Marathon Majors check presentation.
Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner, presented by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00pm
City Hall Plaza near Faneuil Hall, Boston
Athletes from around the world come together to fuel-up and celebrate the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner is complimentary for participants with a claimed digital ticket, and guests may purchase tickets at the Party Ticket Booth at the Boston Marathon Expo while supplies last. Members of the media are invited; any press credential gains entry.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
Various events and activities throughout the day, including live music, photo-ops, and a Defending Champions Panel featuring this year’s reigning champions. A lineup of events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/fan-fest.
Monday, April 15- Patriots’ Day & One Boston Day
123rd Running of the Boston Marathon - Official Start Times
Grand Marshal Meb Keflezighi will depart Hopkinton at 8:50 a.m. and arrive in Boston at 9:55 a.m.
START TIMES
| DIVISION | START TIME |
|---|---|
| Men's Wheelchair | 9:02 a.m. |
| Women's Wheelchair | 9:04 a.m. |
| Handcycles & Duo Participants | 9:25 a.m. |
| Elite Women | 9:32 a.m. |
| Elite Men | 10:00 a.m. |
| Wave One | 10:02 a.m. |
| Wave Two | 10:25 a.m. |
| Wave Three | 10:50 a.m. |
| Wave Four | 11:15 a.m. |
Boston Marathon Race Day Press Conference: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Post-race interviews with winners and contenders in all divisions begin at approximately 12:00 p.m., at the conclusion of the wheelchair division race, and last until approximately 2:00 p.m. Credentials are required for this event.
Boston Marathon Awards Ceremony: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Boston Marathon champions and top finishers receive their awards. The Award Ceremony is open to the public.
Boston Marathon Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by 26.2 Brew: 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fenway Park, Boston
Participants can celebrate their accomplishment, experience America’s most beloved ballpark, and taste 26.2 Brew. Boston Marathon Mile 27 is complimentary for participants with a claimed digital ticket. Guests may purchase tickets at the Party Ticket Booth at the Boston Marathon Expo while supplies last.
Tuesday, April 16
Boston Marathon Wrap-up Media Conference: 10:00 a.m.
Venetian Room, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
This conference features champions of the 2019 Boston Marathon, as well as race officials and notable finishers. Credentials are required for this event.
ADDITIONAL STORYLINES ENTERING THE 123rd BOSTON MARATHON
The following storylines may be of interest as you plan to cover this year’s event. Please contact the B.A.A. for more information on any of the following items.
Return of 17 Boston Marathon Champions
Leading the charge in defending their 2018 Boston Marathon crowns are John Hancock Elite Athlete Team members Desiree Linden, Yuki Kawauchi, Marcel Hug, and Tatyana McFadden. Last year, Linden became the first American woman in 33 years to win the open division.
Among top Americans entered are Linden, Jordan Hasay, Jared Ward, Scott Fauble, Abdi Abdirahman, and Shadrack Biwott. In the wheelchair division, American Daniel Romanchuk is aiming for his first Boston win while McFadden seeks her sixth crown.
To learn more about the John Hancock Elite Athlete Team in the 2019 Boston Marathon, please visit JohnHancock.com/BostonMarathon.
Joan Benoit Samuelson to Run Boston 40 Years After First Win
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of her 1979 victory is Joan Benoit Samuelson, who will run and aim for a time of 3:15:15 – 40 minutes off her 1979 winning time of 2:35:15 (which was at the time a course and American record).
Ernst van Dyk’s 20th Boston Marathon
Ten-time wheelchair champion Ernst van Dyk will compete in his 20th Boston Marathon. In his 17 previous appearances in Boston, van Dyk has won 10 times and placed on the podium on 17 occasions. His impact has been felt both in the results and in the advancement of wheelchair racing over the years.
30th anniversary of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program
This year marks 30 years since the inaugural Boston Marathon Official Charity Program kicked off in 1989. Entering this year’s race, the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program has raised more than $230.7 million dollars for worthy causes in the Greater Boston community and beyond. A total of 1,575 will be running as part of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program this year.
Inaugural B.A.A. Charity Team
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, this year the B.A.A. will field its own team of 15 runners raising funds to support the B.A.A.’s Youth and Community Engagement initiatives. The B.A.A.’s Youth Programs are geared toward introducing running and healthy, active lifestyles to young children within the Greater Boston area.
Celebrity Runners
Among notable entrants this year are three-time Super Bowl champion and Patriots Hall of Famer Tedy Bruschi; two-time Daytona 500 champion and seven-time NASCAR series winner Jimmie Johnson; as well as husband-and-wife duo Jared and Genevieve Padalecki, who starred in Supernatural and Gilmore Girls.
Abbott World Marathon Majors Wheelchair Bonus Points
This year will mark the first year that Abbott World Marathon Majors Wheelchair Series bonus points will be awarded in Boston. The first men’s and women’s wheelchair athlete to reach the halfway point in Wellesley will be awarded extra bonus points towards the AbbottWMM Series Standings.
More stories about elite athletes, qualifiers, charity entrants, and volunteers can be found at all of the Boston Marathon social channels, including on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit @BostonMarathon for more information.