BOSTON — Russians who are living in Russia are banned from competing in this month’s Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association announced on Wednesday.
The Boston Athletic Association also said that Russians who were accepted into the BAA 5K as part of the open registration process will no longer be allowed to compete in the marathon weekend event. The same rules apply for Belarusians who are living in Belarus.
The BAA sanctions have been handed down amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been helping Russia in its relentless attack on Ukraine.
“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” said BAA President and Tom Grilk. “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.”
Russian and Belarusian citizens who were accepted into the Boston Marathon or BAA 5K as part of the open registration process but are not residents of either country will be able to compete. These athletes, however, will not be able to run under the flag of either country.
The BAA, its races and events will not recognize the country affiliation or flag of Russia or Belarus until further notice. The Boston Marathon, BAA 5K, and BAA Invitational Mile do not include any professional or invited athletes from Russia or Belarus.
The BAA said it will make “reasonable attempts” to refund the athletes from Russia or Belarus who will no longer be able to participate, within the constraints as imposed by federal and international sanctions.
The BAA had previously announced that all Ukrainians who are registered for the Boston Marathon or the BAA 5K and are unable to compete have the option to get a refund or defer to a future year.
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