B.A.A. To Host Inaugural 5K Race During Marathon Weekend: Online Registration Opens at 10:00 a.m. ET, Thursday, March 5

More than 4,000 area runners expected to compete on day prior to 113thBoston Marathon

Boston, Mass. --The Boston Athletic Association announced today plans to host a 5K road race on the day prior to the running of the 113thBoston Marathon. The 5K will offer a fun and competitive course for athletes, and for those who have always dreamed of crossing the Boston Marathon finish line, a non-qualifying chance to do so.

"The record closeout for the Boston Marathon registration is a testament to the popularity of the event and we are happy to be able to offer athletes another race in which they can participate in on the same weekend, said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. We look forward to the response and participation of runners in this years 5K, as well as the competition and excitement it will bring to participants and spectators.

DATE: The B.A.A. 5K will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2009

TIME: Start 8:00 AM

FIELD SIZE: Event limited to first 4,000 who register

5K COURSE: Start on Boylston St. between Exeter and Fairfield Streets, left on Tremont St., left on Park St., left on Beacon St., left on Arlington St., right on Commonwealth Ave., left on Hereford St., left onto Boylston St., finish at marathon line.

ENTRY FEE: $40.00 non-refundable, online only

MINIMUM AGE: 10 years old

ONLINE REG. Online registration at www.baa.org begins Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 10:00am. It is anticipated that the race will close out quickly.

ADDL HIGHLIGHTS: * Finish at the actual BAA finish line on Boylston Street
* Seating for 3,000 spectators

SANCTIONED BY: USATF

NUMBER PICK UP: Friday, April 17th from 2:00 PM - 7:00PM, Hynes Auditorium, Boston
Saturday, April 18th from 9:00AM 6:00PM, Hynes Auditorium, Boston

AWARDS: Top three in each age division (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+).

The 113th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2009, Patriots' Day, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The race follows a 26.2-mile point-to-point route from the town of Hopkinton, Mass., to Boston's Back Bay. This years race will begin with the Elite Women's Start at 9:32 a.m.

Additional information about the B.A.A. 5K, the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association can be found online at www.baa.org.