About Us

The Boston Marathon
World Run

As the world’s oldest annually held marathon, the Boston Marathon is known in the world of road racing as an exclusive event in which the fastest qualified athletes participate. In 2014, and as it has for decades, the 118th Marathon will begin in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finish in downtown Boston in front of thousands of cheering fans.

While the Hopkinton-to-Boston course and the excitement that unfolds upon it is limited to the 36,000 athletes who will participate on April 21, the satisfaction of crossing the finish line is a feeling for which there is no replacement.

This year, the Boston Athletic Association, in partnership with John Hancock and Manulife Financial, are inviting people from around the world to participate in their own Boston Marathon. Maybe it’s not 26.2 miles, and maybe it’s not in Boston, but there is a marathoner in all of us. We encourage you to bring it out – and to be a part of the first ever Boston Marathon World Run.

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In this global celebration of movement, fitness, and commitment to ones personal wellness goals, registration and participation in the Boston Marathon World Run is free. All registrants will receive a printable bib number, a digital finishers’ medal, and a printable finishers’ certificate.

Simply pledge to run, walk, or wheel any distance, and complete that distance at one time or over several weeks leading up to or on April 21. This year, participants are also encouraged to make a donation of towards The One Fund Boston.

Signing up and participating is just the beginning. Participants can share their World Run through photos, videos, and messages. And, World Run ambassadors will encourage participation from every corner of the globe to be a part of the Boston Marathon World Run Community.

This year, we’re all Boston Marathoners. Join us in the 2014 Boston Marathon World Run. Any Ability. Any Distance. Anywhere.

The Boston Athletic
association

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 Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has organized the Boston Marathon® since the event’s inception in 1897.The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's most prestigious road racing events. The B.A.A. continues to manage this American classic, which has been sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services since 1986. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity, and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification).

More than 125 years after its inception, the Boston Athletic Association continues to be a leader within the sport of road racing and annually carries on the tradition of the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. promotes a healthy lifestyle through the support of comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs.

john hancock

John Hancock is the United States division of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the U.S. The Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners.

In 2014, John Hancock will celebrate 29 years as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon. The Company’s continued support of the Boston Athletic Association, which has directed the race since 1897, ensures the stability of the world’s oldest annual marathon.

As part of its sponsorship the Company supports community initiatives such as the John Hancock Non-Profit Program, the John Hancock Employee Running Program, Scholars & Stars in Hopkinton and Scholars & Stars in Boston. Since the sponsorship began, the official B.A.A. and John Hancock Non-Profit Programs have combined to raise more than $170 million for non-profit organizations.

John Hancock also provides the prize purse for the race, recruits and hosts the international elite field, sponsors the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, and provides a wide range of support to local and international media covering the race and to the eight cities and towns along the Marathon route. Following last year’s race, the Company aided in the creation of The One Fund Boston and made the cornerstone $1 million donation to initiate the fundraising.

Additional information about John Hancock’s Boston Marathon sponsorship can be found at www.johnhancock.com/bostonmarathon and @jhboston26

Additional information about Manulife Financial can be found at www.manulife.com

adidas

Adidas is excited to begin its 26th year as the Official and Exclusive Footwear and Apparel Supplier of the Boston Marathon. In 2014, adidas continues its commitment to the marathon by playing a key role not only in the race, but in all Boston Athletic Association programs. This year adidas will supply exclusive Boston Marathon jackets to close to 10,000 B.A.A. volunteers and over 3,500 other media and officials. Also, the official collection of the 2014 Boston Marathon performance apparel and footwear will be available to race participants and fans at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo as well as select local retailers. In an effort to celebrate the marathon all weekend long, adidas supports a series of pre-race events including the B.A.A. Relay Challenge and the B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

Leading up to the race adidas also will host marathon training clinics in late February and late March. adidas has been a sponsor of the B.A.A. Running Club since 1992. In 1999, adidas and the B.A.A. unveiled their joint venture consisting of a long-term, year-round running program designed to promote overall fitness and health among Boston-area youths throughout Boston Public Schools. Since then, more than 30,000 kids have participated in adidas-sponsored B.A.A. events.

Adidas’s founder, Adi Dassler, had a passion for running and a passion to make equipment to help every athlete perform at their best. Today adidas remains committed to making the best running products available. For training tips and to learn more about adidas running, visit www.adidas.com/running.

The One Fund

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston on April 16, 2013, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”

According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.”

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.”

Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday. Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and assisted One Fund Boston in receiving 501(c)(3) status.

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said.

For general inquiries about the One Fund Boston, please email [email protected] or call 1-855-617-FUND. Please note that donations cannot be made over the phone.