Runners who reside in Russia and Belarus will be barred from competing in this year’s Boston Marathon, the Boston Athletic Association announced Wednesday.
The new policy applies to athletes who were accepted into the marathon as part of the open registration process — the field does not include any professional or invited athletes from either country.
Russian and Belarusian citizens who are not residents of either country will be allowed to compete.
“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” said President & CEO of the BAA Tom Grilk. “We believe that running is a global sport, and as such, we must do what we can to show our support to the people of Ukraine.”
The BAA announced it would not recognize the flag of Russia or Belarus until further notice. Event organizers said they would make “reasonable attempts” to refund the entry fees of athletes who are no longer eligible.
The BAA will also provide all Ukrainian runners with a refund or the option to defer to a later year.
• Peter Santo can be reached at psanto@washingtontimes.com.
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