Uber to Provide Discounts to Runners, Interactive Fan Experience & Dedicated Pick-Up & Drop-Off Spots Along Race Course
BOSTON – Uber and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced the beginning of a multiple-year sponsorship agreement, making the rideshare company the official ride of the Boston Marathon.
Uber will be involved with the Boston Marathon in numerous ways in the week surrounding Patriots’ Day, and will make transportation for runners, volunteers, and spectators easier with dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones along the race course on Marathon Monday and discounted rides for runners. On race weekend, Uber will create an interactive fan experience in Copley Square with a lounge for runners and spectators.
“Uber brings a new dimension to the Boston Marathon with its innovative, industry-leading technology,” said B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer, Tom Grilk. “Partnerships with brands like Uber really improve the fan and runner experience at the Boston Marathon, and we look forward to years of teamwork and partnership.”
“The Boston Marathon is the pride of Boston and an event that everyone looks forward to,” said Persis Elavia, General Manager, Uber New England. “We are thrilled to play a part in celebrating with the entire Boston community and make it more convenient for runners and spectators to get to and from the race.”
Uber’s Marathon presence will include the following elements:
- An interactive experience for runners and spectators in Copley Square on race weekend
- Dedicated pick-up and drop-off points near the start and finish lines and high traffic areas along the race. Some points will include a small pop-up rider lounge with charging stations and seating areas.
- Uber is giving ten drivers a second chance to run in this year’s race, after they missed the qualifying time by mere seconds. Uber is also covering the associated registration fees for these drivers.
- Discounted rides for all Marathon runners
Approximately 30,000 participants are registered for the 2018 Boston Marathon, to be run on April 16, 2018. The Boston Marathon is the oldest continuously run marathon in the world, spanning 122 years of history.