Boston Marathon Medical Research Funding Program

The Boston Marathon has a long-standing tradition of supporting clinical and physiologic research, with published medical studies dating back to the early 1900s. Clinical and scientific questions surrounding athlete health and performance are often studied in field projects such as organized road races.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has established a research funding opportunity for scientific researchers surrounding the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. Medical Research Grant Program provides an annual request for proposal to conduct research at the world’s oldest annual marathon. The program will provide investigators with a one-time itemized budget of up to $25,000 to complete the proposed work.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit the following information within your proposal:

  • Cover letter summarizing the proposal including which Institutional Review Board will provide study oversight.
  • Complete scientific application (3-5 pages)
    • Study title
    • Introduction and scientific rationale for the proposed study
    • Study hypotheses statement
    • Specific aims (up to 3)
    • Research plan methodology
    • Recruitment plans and estimated sample size
    • Statistical analysis plans
    • Anticipated race weekend (i.e. finish line/race expo) procedures
    • Additional funding sources that will support the proposed work above and beyond B.A.A. funding if applicable
    • Bibliography (need not be included in the 5-page limit)
  • Itemized budget inclusive of all direct study costs (no indirect costs will be awarded).
  • NIH-format biosketch (preferred) or CV of the principal investigator and all co-investigators.

AWARD PROCESS

The Research Grant Committee will judge proposals on:

  • The scientific merits and impact of the proposed hypothesis on the endurance race community.
  • The quality and appropriateness of the study design.
  • The ability to secure Institutional Review Board oversight.
  • Subject recruitment, enrollment, and data collection that is thoughtful and nonintrusive.
  • Investigator(s) scientific track record.

The Research Grant Committee includes the B.A.A. President and CEO, Medical Directors, and Medical Coordinator.

GRANT CYCLE TIMELINE

Dates to be confirmed

  • Proposal Application due October 14, 2024
  • Award / Decision Notification sent by November 8, 2024
  • Confirmation of IRB approval due December 31, 2024
    • Inability to secure IRB approval by this date will result in termination of award.
  • Post-Race Follow-up Report due June 15, 2025

 

Submissions

Proposals for field studies aimed at delineating key aspects of athlete health and performance are encouraged, as are studies inclusive of Para athletes and studies that examine issues related to gender and diversity. Proposals and any program questions should be emailed to medical@baa.org for review and response by the B.A.A.