Boston Marathon Says Runners Who End Race at Heartbreak Hill Can Still Get Finisher’s Medal
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@bostonmarathon/IG
Runners at this year’s Boston Marathon can opt to end their race at mile 20 while still receiving a finisher’s medal, Dumb Runner has learned — a change that organizers say they made to keep runners safe.
Mile 20 on the Boston Marathon course comes after the first three of the Newton hills but just before the fourth and final climb, the notoriously tough Heartbreak Hill. Because the hills come late in the race, after a net downhill, they’re a well-known challenge for fatigued runners as they face the final six miles or so to the finish.
The marathon, to be held Monday, April 20, will be the event’s 130th edition; this will be the first time in the marathon’s history that runners may collect finisher’s medals without completing the entire 26.2 miles and crossing the famed finish line on Boylston Street.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the race, made the unexpected announcement in an online statement, citing “the health and safety” of participants.
“Many runners push themselves very hard on Heartbreak Hill,” the statement read. “Sometimes, frankly, they push themselves too hard — all in the name of earning that coveted Boston Marathon finisher’s medal.”
“Participants’ health and safety is our top concern. For that reason, we will offer runners the option of finishing their race at mile 20, if they’re having a tough day, and taking a shuttle bus to the finish line, where they may collect their medal.”
“There is no shame in making a smart decision for your body,” the statement read.
The move was met with universal praise online, where runners of all kinds applauded the B.A.A. for making the change.
“I think it’s great that you care so much about your runners,” read one typical comment on the B.A.A.’s Facebook page. “And, hey—20 miles is still a lot!”
