FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B.A.A. Announces Meb Keflezighi as 2019 Boston Marathon Grand Marshal
Boston Marathon Schedule of Events Released
BOSTON (1-April) - Today, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
announced the Grand Marshal for the 123rd Boston Marathon, to be run on
Monday, April 15, 2019. Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon,
will serve as Grand Marshal on Patriots' Day, leading the way for 30,000
participants on their journey from Hopkinton to Boston.
The Boston Marathon is the oldest consecutively run marathon in the world
and is annually held on Patriots' Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
For the 34th year, John Hancock is the principal sponsor of the Boston
Marathon.
Five years ago, Keflezighi broke the finish tape in memorable fashion with
a time of 2:08:37, becoming the first American man since 1983 to win the
open division of the Boston Marathon. His victory was especially
significant considering it came one year after the tragic acts of April 15,
2013. Keflezighi sported the names of those lost on his bib number as he
ran in front towards Boylston Street.
A four-time Olympian, Keflezighi is the only athlete in history to have won
both the Boston and New York City Marathons and an Olympic Marathon medal.
As Grand Marshal, he will once again lead the field, this time riding in an
INFINITI QX50, the official vehicle of the Boston Marathon, from Hopkinton
to Boston.
Throughout race week, Keflezighi will also serve as a John Hancock Elite
Athlete Ambassador, cheering on participants and making many appearances
including at the Boston Marathon Expo, Runner Seminar Series, and at Boston
Marathon Fan Fest on Copley Square Park. Keflezighi recently published a
book titled 26 Marathons.
"We are proud to welcome back Meb on the five year anniversary of his
triumphant victory," said Tom Grilk, Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A.
"Running to the chants of 'USA! USA!', Meb's victory five years ago was a
symbolic moment that transcended sports. Meb helped our entire community
celebrate the resilient and determined spirit of Boston, and we look
forward to having him back in Boston as Grand Marshal of this year's race."
The B.A.A. also today released a detailed schedule of events celebrating
Boston Marathon week. Members of the media are encouraged to attend and
cover all events.
2019 BOSTON MARATHON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
*Please note all times, dates, and locations are subject to change.
Monday, April 8
Hopkinton Ceremonial Blue Line Painting: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hopkinton, MA
Officials from the B.A.A. and Town of Hopkinton come together to
ceremonially paint a blue line at the start, signaling one week to go until
the 123rd Boston Marathon. The blue line will extend for the first and last
mile of the Boston Marathon route. This year marks the first occasion of
the Hopkinton blue line painting.
Wednesday, April 10
Hopkinton Start Line Painting (Weather Permitting): Time To Be Announced
Main Street, Hopkinton
The Boston Marathon start line will be painted in Hopkinton, welcoming
30,000 athletes to the town center. This event is weather dependent, and
timing will be announced prior to April 10.
Thursday, April 11
John Hancock Scholars & Stars in Hopkinton: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Hopkinton
John Hancock brings the elite Kenyan runners together with Hopkinton
elementary students for a pre-race pep rally in the historic town where the
Marathon begins. Students study the culture of their running friends
throughout the year.
Boston Finish Line Application (Weather Permitting): Time To Be Announced
Boylston Street, Boston
A replica of the Boston Marathon finish line is painted on Boylston Street
year-round for all to see. Days before the Boston Marathon, an adhesive
decal graphic is placed over the painted line as the B.A.A. and the City of
Boston prepare for the 123rd Boston Marathon.
B.A.A. Media Conference: 2:30 p.m.
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
The 2019 Boston Marathon opening press conference will feature B.A.A.
officials and will highlight new elements to this year's event, including
the Boston Marathon Fan Fest on Copley Square Park. The B.A.A. will also
feature other significant topics regarding the Boston Marathon. More
details will be available in upcoming media advisories.
Friday, April 12
John Hancock Elite Athlete Team Media Conference: 10:00 a.m.
Oval & Venetian Rooms, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Principal sponsor John Hancock presents the top competitors running the
123rd Boston Marathon, including champions, Olympians, Abbott World
Marathon Majors event champions, and top Americans. Media are provided
individual interview opportunities. Credentials are required for this
event.
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
The Boston Marathon Expo features more than 200 exhibitors and is widely
regarded as the running industry's premier showcase for new products,
services, and events. The Boston Marathon Expo is where registered athletes
pick up their official race numbers.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
New for 2019, Boston Marathon Fan Fest features live music, a training
clinic with Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi beginning at 5:00 p.m.,
activity stations for runners of all ages, and more! Fan Fest is the place
to relax and soak in the spirit of Boston Marathon weekend. A lineup of
events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/fan-fest.
Saturday, April 13
B.A.A. 5K: 8:00 a.m.
Boston Common, Boston
An estimated 10,000 participants, from elite athletes to weekend warriors,
will take part in the eleventh annual B.A.A. 5K from Boston Common. The
race course will pass over the Boston Marathon finish line. Race
registration opened to the general public in February. The race is
currently sold out.
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
B.A.A. Invitational Mile: 10:30 a.m.
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
The B.A.A. Invitational Mile features some of the top professional milers
in the world, as well as scholastic milers from each of the eight host
cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route.
B.A.A. Relay Challenge: 1:00 p.m.
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
More than 20 middle schools from around Greater Boston will convene for the
23rd consecutive year for the B.A.A. Relay Challenge. In the culmination of
a month-long program taught by volunteer coaches, the relay challenge will
feature students from all of the schools competing near the Boston Marathon
finish line.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
Various events and activities throughout the day, including live music and
photo-ops with a replica of the Boston Marathon Champion's Trophy built by
LEGO. A lineup of events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-
marathon/fan-fest.
Sunday, April 14
Boston Marathon Expo & Number Pick-Up: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Boston
Defending Champions Panel & Abbott World Marathon Majors Check
Presentation: 12:15 p.m.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest, Copley Square Park
Three-time Super Bowl champion and Boston Marathoner Tedy Bruschi will host
a Defending Champions Panel featuring Desiree Linden, Yuki Kawauchi,
Tatyana McFadden, and Marcel Hug, followed by an Abbott World Marathon
Majors check presentation.
Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner, presented by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze:
4:00 p.m. - 8:00pm
City Hall Plaza near Faneuil Hall, Boston
Athletes from around the world come together to fuel-up and celebrate the
Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner is complimentary for
participants with a claimed digital ticket, and guests may purchase tickets
at the Party Ticket Booth at the Boston Marathon Expo while supplies last.
Members of the media are invited; any press credential gains entry.
Boston Marathon Fan Fest: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Copley Square Park, Boston
Various events and activities throughout the day, including live music,
photo-ops, and a Defending Champions Panel featuring this year's reigning
champions. A lineup of events can be found at www.baa.org/races/boston-
marathon/fan-fest.
Monday, April 15- Patriots' Day & One Boston Day
123rd Running of the Boston Marathon - Official Start Times
Grand Marshal Meb Keflezighi will depart Hopkinton at 8:50 a.m. and arrive
in Boston at 9:55 a.m.
DIVISION START TIME
Men's Wheelchair 9:02 a.m.
Women's Wheelchair 9:04 a.m.
Handcycles & Duo Participants 9:25 a.m.
Elite Women 9:32 a.m.
Elite Men 10:00 a.m.
Wave One 10:02 a.m.
Wave Two 10:25 a.m.
Wave Three 10:50 a.m.
Wave Four 11:15 a.m.
Boston Marathon Race Day Press Conference: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Post-race interviews with winners and contenders in all divisions begin at
approximately 12:00 p.m., at the conclusion of the wheelchair division
race, and last until approximately 2:00 p.m. Credentials are required for
this event.
Boston Marathon Awards Ceremony: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston
Boston Marathon champions and top finishers receive their awards. The Award
Ceremony is open to the public.
Boston Marathon Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by 26.2 Brew:
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fenway Park, Boston
Participants can celebrate their accomplishment, experience America's most
beloved ballpark, and taste 26.2 Brew. Boston Marathon Mile 27 is
complimentary for participants with a claimed digital ticket. Guests may
purchase tickets at the Party Ticket Booth at the Boston Marathon Expo
while supplies last.
Tuesday, April 16
Boston Marathon Wrap-up Media Conference: 10:00 a.m.
Venetian Room, Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
This conference features champions of the 2019 Boston Marathon, as well as
race officials and notable finishers. Credentials are required for this
event.
About The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through
sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's
oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and
supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year- round running programs,
including high performance athletes and running club. Since 1986, the
principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. The Boston
Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with
international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York
City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2019.
The 123rd Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019. For more
information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
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