BOSTON (WHDH) - Runners from Russia and Belarus previously accepted to compete in the 2022 Boston Marathon or 2022 B.A.A. 5K who are currently residing in either country will no longer be allowed to participate in either event, the Boston Athletic Association announced Wednesday.
Runners who are Russian and Belarusian citizens but do not reside in either country will be able to compete, according to the B.A.A. These athletes, however, will not be able to run under the flag of either country. The B.A.A., its races, and events will not recognize the country affiliation or flag of Russia or Belarus until further notice.
“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” President & CEO of the B.A.A. Tom Grilk said in a news release. “We believe that running is a global sport, and as such, we must do what we can to show our support to the people of Ukraine.”
The B.A.A. said they will make “reasonable attempts” to refund the athletes from Russia or Belarus who will no longer be able to participate, within the constraints as imposed by federal and international sanctions.
The B.A.A. will provide all Ukrainians who are registered in the 126th Boston Marathon or the 2022 B.A.A. 5K and are unable to compete with a refund or option to defer to a future year.
The 2022 Boston Marathon, B.A.A. 5K, and B.A.A. Invitational Mile do not include any professional or invited athletes from Russia or Belarus.
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