2024 Boston Marathon Will Have Special Cheering Sections for Black Fans, B.A.A. Says
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Starting with next year’s race, the Boston Marathon will establish dedicated sections for Black spectators, Dumb Runner has learned—a response prompted by accusations of racist policing at this year’s event.
Those accusations revolve around a large police presence at a cheer section around mile 21 of the marathon, held last Monday. That cheer section was comprised “primarily of Black and brown and Latin folk,” according to Mike Remy*, a spectator whose viral video of the incident sparked outrage and widespread media coverage.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the marathon, released a statement calling the police response regrettable and met afterward with the groups involved. This morning, the B.A.A. released a second statement, announcing the Black-only spectator zones.
"The B.A.A. is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for athletes, volunteers, and spectators across all our events,” according to the statement. “Therefore, starting with the 2024 marathon, we will establish separate cheering zones along the course for Black spectators.”
“These separate cheering sections will be equal to any other,” it continued.
The Black-only cheering zones, set apart by tall chain-link fencing, will have their own portable restrooms, the statement said. These separate porta potties will be equal in quality to porta potties elsewhere, the B.A.A. stressed.
“Like everyone in Boston, from our police officers to our baseball fans, we pride ourselves on our progressive views on racial equity,” the statement concluded. “It is our sincere hope that we can all put this unfortunate incident behind us.”
*Unbelievably, his real name
