Boston Marathon Servicemember Relay
The 2018 Boston Marathon is going to be an event celebrating the service and sacrifice or military servicemembers and first responders. This year will be not only the 5th anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing but the 100th anniversary of a military relay that took place in lieu of the marathon during World War I. 

100 years ago while the nation was focused on war, local military units and bases decided to not let this disrupt the annual tradition of the Boston Marathon. In the marathon's stead, 14 teams of 10 conducted a relay race running the length of the marathon showing that nothing can stop the American athletic spirit. Similarly, in 2013 the Boston Marathon finish line was itself the site of a terrorist attack which failed to disrupt the spirit of tradition and competitiveness. 

In recognition of the marathon's ability to withstand civil conflict, war, and terrorism, the Boston Athletic Association would like to recognize the commitment of the first responders and military servicemembers who enabled this tradition to continue. 

To support this recognition, we would like to find servicemembers and veterans from the towns along the route to participate in a relay modeling the 1918 run. This relay will break up the 26.2 mile marathon enabling all servicemembers to participate irrespective of age or disability. We are looking to find veterans from all branches of service, multiple generations of conflict, and any physical disability or limitation. We are looking for active duty, national guard, reserve, and discharged veterans to participate.

As the marathon is rapidly approaching, we understand it may be difficult to hit all the demographics we are looking for but we will try our best. If you have a veteran in mind that is not from one of the 8 towns along the route, please still consider having them participate. 

Additionally, we are also looking for stories to highlight in the run-up to the event by showcasing veterans through press releases and social media about their time in service, their involvement in their communities, and defining the 2018 Boston Marathon theme of the Year of Service. If you know of a servicemember or first responder that was present for or participated in the 2013 Boston Marathon, we would like to share their story as well. The BAA will also begin to promote this event using the hashtag #PassTheBaton. 
 
What we'll need is an email sent to  JAMES.SANTOS@BOSTON.GOV  with the following information:
Name of the veteran
Hometown/Current town
Branch(es) of service
Generation of Conflict
Running history and times (Please reference if they have a profile on athlinks, racemenu, etc)

Here is a link to a promotional video the BAA put out last month:


Jimmy Santos
Community Relations Specialist 
Office of Veterans' Services
617-241-VETS  (8387)