17 April, 2020
Dear Foundation friends,
These are trying times; I sincerely hope these words find you and your family both safe and healthy.
No doubt you’ve heard about the decision to postpone the 124th Boston Marathon to Monday, September 14th. While we fully appreciate the inconvenience this has caused everyone, especially for those traveling from afar, I wanted to take a minute to tell you why we’re happy about this.
We’re happy that no runners will have to unwillingly forfeit their bib for the 124th Marathon – that this is a postponement and not a cancellation. Had it been cancelled, it would have been the first time ever in its history that some form of the race hadn't been run. And we’re happy – and appreciative – that runners who can’t make the new date will be fully reimbursed by the BAA for their entry fee.
Above all, we’re happy because we believe that the 124th Boston Marathon will go down in history as one of the most memorable on record. Not only is September the best month of the year to visit Boston, but Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker is creating a Massachusetts state holiday specifically dedicated to the race. That is unprecedented. We expect the number of spectators that day to be enormous.
We’ve been especially encouraged by the show of support from the 65 runners of the Foundation’s ‘Team Inspire’. Not only have their fundraising efforts been stellar, so too has been their commitment to the race. So far, none of them has told us they won’t be able to make the new date.
So, if you’re one of our runners, donate to a runner of any team, provide a runner with any kind of support whatsoever, or are merely a marathon enthusiast, we thank you for your patience, flexibility and backing.
We look forward to seeing you in September!
Best,
Timothy Kilduff, President
