BOSTON MARATHONERS

As we close out 2017, the excitement is building for the 122 nd  Boston Marathon. Through the build-up to Marathon Monday, we’ll send occasional participant newsletters (like this) to help you prepare for a successful race day. From transportation and gear check, to corral assignments and the post-race party, we’ll have you covered.

In today’s newsletter, we unveil 20-week training plans, provide information on our training clinics, and share deals on travel and accommodation around race weekend. Also, principal sponsor John Hancock unveils the first of its 2018 Elite Athlete Team, reigning champions Edna Kiplagat and Geoffrey Kirui.

Best of luck in training, and Happy Holidays!

The Boston Athletic Association
FOLLOW US FOR THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE 2018 BOSTON MARATHON
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS RETURN
John Hancock has announced that 2017 Boston Marathon champions Edna Kiplagat and Geoffrey Kirui, both from Kenya, will return to Boston on April 16, 2018, to defend their titles.

Kiplagat is a two-time IAAF World Championships gold medalist, a London and New York City Marathon champion and a multiple winner of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series.

“After racing all around the world, it was so special for me to run on Boston’s historic course and experience the Boston traditions with my family,” said Edna. “I look forward to returning to race against the world’s best athletes.”

Geoffrey is the reigning World Champion, having secured the title at this year’s IAAF World Marathon Championships in London.

“I’m happy to return to Boston to defend my title,” said Geoffrey. “The tremendous atmosphere, the great history and legendary course all suit me very well.”

This year marks John Hancock’s 33 rd year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.
UPDATE YOUR QUALIFYING TIME

Have you recently run a faster marathon than the time you used to qualify? You can potentially improve your seeding in April's race!
BOSTON MARATHON TRAINING PLANS
The B.A.A. has put together four different 20-week training plans covering all levels of ability for the 2018 Boston Marathon. All four plans build a solid base of running fitness, and will help try to maximize your race potential.
OWN BOSTON, THE DOCUMENTARY

You can own BOSTON, the first full-length documentary chronicling the Boston Marathon’s 123-year history, now on digital!
BOSTON MARATHON TRAINING CLINICS
Join the B.A.A. throughout the Marathon buildup for training clinics at Boston Marathon adidas RunBase! Covering all the do's and don'ts of marathon training, these clinics can be a valuable source for information.

NEXT CLINIC: Friday, January 5, 6:00 p.m. ET.
JOHN HANCOCK SPORTS & FITNESS EXPO - NEW LOCATION

Don’t forget the  John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo  is at a new location for 2018! The Expo and Bib Number Pick-up will be at the  Seaport World Trade Center  (200 Seaport Boulevard) in the vibrant Seaport District of Boston!

Hours are Friday April 13 from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
TRAVEL DISCOUNT FOR 2018 BOSTON MARATHON
Back this year, JetBlue is offering $10 off each direction of your airline travel to the Boston Marathon. This offer is good on travel from any airport where JetBlue operates to Boston's Logan International. Valid dates of travel include arriving between April 12 and April 15, and returning between April 16 and April 18.
MARATHON TOURS AND TRAVEL

Marathon Tours and Travel is the Official Travel Agency for the Boston Marathon. They offer the lowest rates at a wide selection of more than 40 hotels for the Boston Marathon!
Book your hotel reservation online today!