Participant Basics

Registration for the 2024 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund is now closed. 

Download the 2024 Boston Half Participant Guide

View Course Map

RACE DATE AND LOCATION

• Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Location: Franklin Park, Boston

PARTICIPANT NEWSLETTERS

• September 6
• September 20
• October 5
• October 22
• October 30
• November 5
• November 8

MOBILE APP

• Presented by TCS, the B.A.A. Racing App features live tracking of all participants, social media integration, interactive course maps, selfies and all information you need to know about the Boston Half. Download today!

GEAR CHECK

• Entrants can check belongings at a designated location near the start.
• Bags will be provided and belongings must be claimed following the race.
• Please use the tag provided to attach your bib number to your bag to help us identify your belongings once the race has concluded.
• Please do not check valuables.
• The B.A.A. is not responsible for lost items.

ADIDAS RACE SHIRT

Entrants may pick up their adidas participant shirt on race morning either before or after the race at the designated shirt-pick up area. Size availability is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. 

TRANSPORTATION:

The B.A.A. provides transportation race morning for runners, volunteers, and families from Copley Square and Forest Hills MBTA station. Shuttles will run consistently race morning starting at 5:30AM and dropping off on Seaver Street outside of Franklin Park. Return shuttles to Copley Square and Forrest Hills will also pickup on Seaver Street following the race until 12:00PM.

For a map of pickup and drop-off locations, click here. Additional transportation information can be found here. 

Anyone planning to use a rideshare service on race morning should use 168 Seaver Street for a convenient drop off location.

There is no parking available in Franklin Park for participants or spectators.

TIMING & SCORING

• An electronic timing system will enable you to receive your net time, which will be your official time. 
• The timing and scoring tag will be affixed to the back of your bib, and must not be bent, creased, or cracked for you to be scored, timed, and to appear among the results as an official finisher. 
• Wear bib number on the front of your torso on your outer-most layer. 
• Results will be posted online after the race concludes at www.baa.org.
• To be recognized as an official finisher, you must complete the event within the allotted time of three hours from the time the last athlete crosses the start line (approximately 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.).
• Age group winners will be notified after the race regarding their prize.
• An awards ceremony for the top three open men and women, and the top male and female wheelchair athlete, is scheduled for race morning.

BIB NUMBERS

• U.S. residents will be mailed their bib number and race information prior to the event.
• International residents (including Canada) claim their bib number at the Athlete Services Tent between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.
• If you misplace your bib, or it gets damaged, a replacement bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.
• A valid government issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
• Only registered participants may claim bib number.
• Check that your registration information is correctly imprinted upon your bib number.
• Do not fold or forcefully bend your bib number.
• The timing and scoring device is affixed to the back of your bib number and should not be removed from the bib.
• Please wear your bib number on the front of your torso on your outer-most layer.
• Bib numbers cannot be refunded, deferred, or transferred.
• If inaccuracies appear on the bib number, or your bib number appears damaged, please call the B.A.A. Registration Office at (508) 435-6905, send an email to registration@baa.org, or visit the Athlete Services Tent near the start area between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on race day.

LACTATION ACCOMMODATIONS

On race day, athletes, volunteers, and spectators may use the Lactation Tent in the Start/Finish area at Franklin Park. The tent will operate from 6:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is specifically designated for pumping and breastfeeding purposes. There will be signage and volunteers at the Lactation Tent to assist with wayfinding and access into the tent. 

Please allocate an additional 20 minutes to your pre-race timeline to ensure you have enough time to use the Lactation Tent and check any gear.  

The Lactation Tent is fully enclosed and divided into two separate lactation spaces. Each space is equipped with a table, two chairs, power outlets, a plastic table cover, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. There will be a designated receptacle inside the Lactation Tent for breast milk disposal. 

Please note, the B.A.A. does not provide pumping or breastfeeding equipment. Individuals must bring their own breast pump and any additional accessories needed for lactation or breastfeeding.  If you plan to use the B.A.A. shuttle service before or after the race, please note that we do not have the capacity for strollers or other large items on the shuttle buses.

After using the Lactation Tent, please remember to take all your personal belongings and pumping or breastfeeding equipment with you. Athletes can use the Gear Check service at Franklin Park to store belongings during the race — please refer to the Gear Check section above for details.  

To maintain cleanliness and hygiene for the next user of the Lactation Tent, please use the sanitizing equipment provided and practice personal responsibility.  

For any questions about the Lactation Accommodations at the B.A.A. Half Marathon, please contact accountservices@baa.org. 

COLD WEATHER RUNNING TIPS

 

Dress in layers – Choose a highly breathable base layer (this is what you should wear the closest to your skin). A wicking material will move the moisture away from your skin, making you feel more comfortable on your run. Wear a looser, second layer of breathable material. Fleece would be a good choice for this layer on a cold day. This adds insulation between your base layer and outer layer. The outer layer should be breathable, wind-resistant, and water-resistant material.

Wear a hat – Your uncovered head is responsible for 40% of heat loss. Try wearing a headband if a hat feels too hot.

Protect your hands – Mittens are warmer than gloves because the body heat from the fingers warm each other.

Wear warm socks – Socks made of synthetic fibers wick moisture away from your skin. Try to avoid cotton socks.

Don’t forget the sunscreen – The sun is still strong, even during the month of November.

Don’t overdress – Dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than the temperature. You will warm up after you get moving!