125th Boston Marathon tentatively rescheduled for Oct. 11, 2021

BOSTON — The 125th Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for Patriots’ Day 2021 before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its postponement, has been rescheduled for Monday, October 11, 2021, the Boston Athletic Association [BAA] announced.

The marathon was postponed back in late October 2020 for the second consecutive year due to the ongoing pandemic. Officials later announced that a new date would not be able to be set for the race until 2021 because of COVID-19. That new date was announced Tuesday afternoon.

“We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state and public health officials,” Tom Grilk, the president and CEO of the BAA, wrote in a statement on the new date. “If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and community members will be paramount.”

Now, the marathon has finally been given a new date, though it will only occur if road races are allowed to take place under the state’s reopening plan at that time. Road races are allowed under Phase 4 of the Mass. reopening plan.

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“We will continue to work with local partners and the BAA to monitor the situation and remain hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October,” Gov. Charlie Baker is quoted as saying in the BAA release.

Other details about the race have still not been announced as the eight cities and towns that are a part of the marathon route need to grant approval of the BAA’s future event plan.

“Additional details including field size for the in-person race, registration dates, safety measures and protocols, and participant requirements that will be in place are forthcoming.,” the BAA wrote in its release.

“The Boston Athletic Association continues to work with local, city, state and public health officials to determine best practices to ensure the safety of all community members. Safety measures and protocols, along with participant requirements pending local regulations and event plans, will be made available in the coming months.”

PREVIOUS: 2021 Boston Marathon postponed to fall for second straight year

The BAA will also hold a virtual race option as part of the upcoming marathon; details on that have not been released.

“Today, I’m filled with hope, as we set our sights on October for the running of the 125th Boston Marathon,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is quoted as saying in the BAA release. “We have a ways to go before we’re out of the woods, but guided by sound judgment and the advice of our public health experts, I am hopeful that we’ll get to enjoy the return of one of Boston’s most storied traditions this fall.”

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