Runners from Russia or Belarus will not be allowed to participate in the Boston Marathon on April 18, due to the invasion of Ukraine, organizers announced on Wednesday (April 6).
59 runners concerned in 2019
This ban concerns runners residing in Russia or Belarus, while expatriates of Russian or Belarusian origin will be able to take part in the race, provided that they do not wear the colors of their country of origin, specified the Boston Athletic Association.
We believe running is a global sport, and as such, we must do what we can to show our support for the people of Ukraine.
, said Tom Grilk, general manager of the Boston Athletic Association, adding that the organizers were horrified and indignant
by the reports and the images showing what is happening in Ukraine.
The Boston Marathon, canceled in 2020 and then held in October 2021 with a lower than normal number of participants due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is returning to its usual schedule and format this year. The statement did not specify how many Russian or Belarusian athletes were registered this year. In 2019, 59 of the more than 30,000 runners who took part in the race were from Russia and Belarus.
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Russia has been ostracized from world sport since Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24. Football governing bodies Fifa and UEFA have suspended Russia from all international competitions, including the World Cup, while several organizations such as Formula 1 have canceled sporting events scheduled in Russia.