Athletes from Russia and Belarus who live in those countries won’t be allowed to participate in this year’s Boston Marathon, organizers announced on Wednesday — less than two weeks before the event is set to take place.
The Boston Athletic Association said that Russians and Belarusians who live elsewhere will be able to run — but not under their countries’ flags. The decision applies to athletes who were accepted into either the marathon or 5k run, as part of the open registration process.
“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. president & CEO. “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. joins many organizations around the world — including the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and the International Chess Federation — in seeking distance from Russia and its ally Belarus after Russian troops invaded Ukraine in late February.
The Boston Marathon, set for April 18, bills itself as the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s six most prestigious marathons. The event routinely draws runners and spectators from around the world — 35 Russians and 12 Ukrainians entered last year’s race.
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