Geoffrey Mutai on the way to his 27:19 win in Boston (© Victah Sailer)
In anticipation of its upcoming 125th Anniversary in 2012, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced the establishment of a three-race series.
The B.A.A. Distance Medley will begin with the B.A.A. 5K on 15 April 2012, followed by the B.A.A. 10K on 24 June, and the B.A.A. Half Marathon on 7 October. Each of the three races will have its own prize purse. In addition, the male and female series champions will earn $100,000 in prize money.
Scoring for the B.A.A. Distance Medley will be based on total, elapsed time. For example, someone who runs 14:00 minutes at the 5K, 29:00 at the 10K and 1:04:30 for the Half Marathon would end the series with a time of 1:47:30. This unique scoring system is intended to maximize interest in the series among runners, the general public, and the media.
Everyone who completes all three races will be awarded a special commemorative medal for the series in addition to receiving a finisher’s medal for each race.
Each of the three events comprising the B.A.A. Distance Medley starts and finishes at a different, iconic Boston venue and showcases a different part of the City. Youth races will be held in conjunction with each event.
“In 2012, the B.A.A. Distance Medley will give Boston a series of races unique to the sport and is yet another way we are promoting our neighborhoods and our citizens,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Together with the B.A.A., we are encouraging health, fitness and an active lifestyle by providing inspirational opportunities in which anyone may participate.”
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.
The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and IAAF Gold Label Road Race, and is part of the World Marathon Majors along with the Virgin London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the ING New York City Marathon.
B.A.A for the IAAF
