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Boston Marathon bans Russian and Belarusian runners

In 2021, 47 runners from Russia and Belarus completed the marathon

The Boston Marathon announced on Wednesday that no citizens of Russia or Belarus who live in either of those countries will compete at the race on April 18; they have been banned from competing due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

The Boston Marathon start line in Hopkinton, Mass. 

Runners who had previously been accepted into Boston to represent Russia or Belarus and currently live in either country will be prohibited from racing this year, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) said in a press release. The ban also applies to the 2022 B.A.A. 5K, which runs on the Saturday of race weekend.

Citizens of Russia and Belarus who do not reside in either country will be allowed to compete, but they may not run under either country’s flag.

“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” B.A.A. President Tom Grilk said in a press release. “Running is a global sport, and we must do what we can to show our support to the people of Ukraine.”

Boston Marathon 2019 finish line. Photo: Canadian Running

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which neighbouring Belarus has supported, has led to both countries’ receiving many sanctions from various organizations around the world. The flags of Russia and Belarus will not be recognized by the B.A.A. until further notice.

In 2021, 47 runners from Russia and Belarus completed the marathon.

For the first time in almost three years, the prestigious Boston Marathon returns to its traditional Patriots’ Day date of April 18. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all content leading up to the 126th Boston Marathon. You can view full the updated start list here.

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