Para/Adaptive Athlete Information

Para Athletes

The Para Athletics Divisions are competitive divisions for classified Para athletes that implement the principles of the International Paralympic Committee and World Para Athletics. 

• Athletes in this division must have either a national or international classification. The B.A.A. may make exceptions to eligibility, depending on an athlete's medical documentation.
• Four divisions will be awarded prize money for the top three male and female finishers in each division.
  • Visual impairments (T11/T12/T13)
  • Coordination Impairments (T35-T38)
  • Upper Limb Impairments (T45/T46/T47)
  • Lower Limb Impairments (T61/T62/T63/T64)

PLACE	Prize
1st	$1000
2nd	$750
3rd	$500

• For divisions with preexisting course records, a course record bonus of $300 will be available.
• One guide will be allowed for T11/T12 runners. There will not be a guide exchange for the 10K. All guides must run the full distance with their athlete. 
  • T11 athletes must run with a guide runner
  • T12 athletes have the option of running with a guide runner
  • Per WPA rules, T13 athletes are not permitted to utilize a guide runner. The B.A.A. will allow T13 athletes a guide runner within the mass participatory event, however runners will not be eligible for WPA/ATFUSA standings and/or records if electing to use a guide.
• No support runners will be allowed in the para division for upper/lower limb impairment or coordination impairment athletes. 

Wheelchair Division

The Wheelchair Division is a competitive division for athletes who use racing wheelchairs in track and road racing events and hold a national or World Para Athletics classification.

• The athlete must hold a national or WPA classification T51 — T54, T33 or T34 at time of registration with a New (N), Review (R), or Confirmed (C) status. Impairment documentation may be accepted for non-elite athletes in lieu of classification at the B.A.A.'s discretion. 
• Athletes in this division are eligible for prize money. The top three men and women finishers in the wheelchair division will be awarded prize money. 

PLACE	Prize
1st	$3,000
2nd	$2,000
3rd	$1500

Duo Teams

The Duo Team Program provides a unique opportunity for athletes with eligible impairments to take part in and experience the Boston 10K. 

• A Duo Team is comprised of a runner pushing a non-ambulatory person with permanent physical impairment in a customized racing wheelchair. 
• The duo rider must be non-ambulatory and possess a permanent physical impairment that aligns with the eligible impairment types defined by World Para Athletics. 
• The duo rider must provide impairment documentation at time of registration or have documentation on file with the B.A.A.
• The duo rider must be securely fastened in a customized racing wheelchair throughout the race. 
• Wheelchairs with motors, hand cranks, foot pedals, or gears are not permitted. 
• Only the duo runner may push the customized racing wheelchair. 
• All Duo Teams will start the race at a designated time determined by the B.A.A. 

Adaptive Athletes

The Adaptive Program for Runners supports participation for athletes with eligible impairments in the B.A.A. 10K.

• The Athlete must possess a permanent physical, intellectual, or visual impairment that aligns with the eligible impairment types defined by World Para Athletics. 
• A formal classification is not necessary, but athletes must have medical documentation on with the B.A.A. at the time of registration. 
• Athletes with acute injuries or temporary conditions are not eligible for this program. 
• Visually impaired athletes are allowed up to two guides on the course at the same time.
  • There will not be a guide exchange for the 10K. All guides must run the full distance with their athlete.
• T13 athletes will be allowed a guide within the mass participatory event, though will not be eligible for WPA/ATFUSA standings and/or records if electing to use a guide.
• Athletes with a physical or intellectual impairment will be allowed one support runner with them on the course.
• Athletes in this program will not be eligible for prize money. 

Para High Performance Standards

Athletes who obtain the high-performance standards in a 10K listed below may be eligible for complimentary entry. 

• Wheelchair Men: sub 25:00
• Wheelchair Women: sub 30:00
• Pro Para athletes, please reach out directly to mkshea@baa.org