2009 Boston Marathon Entries On Record Pace: 20% Ahead of Schedule

Boston, Mass. – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that entries for the 113th Boston Marathon, to be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, are pacing 20% ahead of the same time last year. As of January 9, 2008, there were 14,333 participants registered for the 2008 Boston Marathon. The number of entrants currently registered for the 2009 Boston Marathon is 17,772.

The B.A.A. did not increase the entry fee for the 2009 Boston Marathon, and the field size limit remains at 25,000 entrants for the second consecutive year. With the 2008 Boston Marathon having reached its maximum by February, qualified runners looking to participate in the 2009 race are encouraged to submit their registration quickly to avoid being shut out of the competition.

“It’s an exciting time for the B.A.A. and the sport of running, even in this challenging economic climate,” said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy Morse. “To qualify for the Boston Marathon takes a commitment to one’s training and dedication to a fitness regimen. Anyone who has qualified and intends to run next year’s Boston Marathon should enter now while space remains available. We anticipate reaching our maximum field size again well in advance of the 2009 race.”

To register for the 2009 Boston Marathon, please visit the official Boston Marathon web site at www.bostonmarathon.org.