BAA Announces 3-Year Financial Support for Towns on Route

More than $700,000 to be allocated to marathon cities and towns in 2010

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that it has made an unparalleled three-year financial commitment of $2.27 million to the eight cities and towns through which the Boston Marathon runs and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It marks the first time in race history a financial commitment of this size and duration has been pledged to all of these communities, and the financial commitment is in continuing recognition of the considerable yearly support of the municipalities as the B.A.A. presents the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon.

For the 2010 Boston Marathon, the towns of Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Brookline, the cities of Newton and Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will receive a combined $703,000 from the B.A.A., an increase from the record $654,000 which they received in 2009. Additionally, the B.A.A. has pledged $753,000 for the 2011 Boston Marathon and $815,000 for the 2012 Boston Marathon for the same purpose.

“The Boston Athletic Association is pleased to make such an unprecedented commitment to our host communities,” said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy Morse. “With the support of principal sponsor John Hancock Financial Services, we will continue to underwrite the significant expenses of logistical course support to the Marathon communities, through planning and cooperation with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety. It also remains our hope that some funds from our donation be directed towards youth and community programs whenever possible.”

Approximately 25,000 athletes from 67 countries and all 50 states are registered to run in the sold-out 114th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19, 2010. For more information on the 2010 Boston Marathon, visit the B.A.A. website at: www.baa.org

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and 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. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. This year marks the 25th consecutive year of John Hancock Financial’s historic sponsorship of the Boston Marathon.