Boston Marathon organiser, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced an enhanced prize money structure across B.A.A. events in 2024. It is also introducing two new Para Athletics Divisions for athletes competing with coordination impairments (T35-T38) and intellectual impairments (T20) as well as more inclusive upper and lower limb impairment divisions.
The changes will provide greater financial rewards for athletes across multiple divisions and expanded opportunities for athletes within the Para Athletics Divisions and Wheelchair Divisions.
“We are always looking at ways to celebrate and reward athletic excellence,” said Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President and CEO. “With these changes, we are recognizing top finishers and aspiring athletes in our Wheelchair and Para Athletics Divisions, while also expanding opportunities for new groups of athletes to be recognized and included in our B.A.A. events.”
He continued, “Boston is a running city, and we’ve made it our goal to elevate para athletes as they train and compete for the podium at our events, from the 5K through to the marathon.”
John Jordan, Head of The Academy and executive co-sponsor of the Disability Action Network, Bank of America, said “This creates an enormous positive impact for para athletes and shows how the B.A.A. is leading the way towards greater inclusivity in sports.
“As we look across our involvement in sports around the world, we’re committed to help broaden the possibilities available to athletes competing at all levels.”
New prize structures:
- The Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will now feature a cumulative prize fund of more than US$1 million.
- Wheelchair champions [T53/54/34] at the Boston Marathon will now receive a first-place prize of US$40,000 (increased from $25,000), and places 2-10 will also receive increases in awards compared to recent years. Wheelchair athletes with T51-T52 classifications will receive awards for places 1-3.
- The total wheelchair prize for 2024 will be US$313,500 for men and women (previously US$125,000). This includes US$50,000 each for a course record (equal to the Open course record award)
- The top three finishers in all seven Para Athletics Divisions at the marathon will receive prize money of US$2,500; US$1,500; US$1,000, respectively.
- Additional increases in the Wheelchair Division and Para Athletic Division prize money will be offered for the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and B.A.A. Half Marathon. The B.A.A. Half Marathon will also feature increased open division prize money for podium finishers.
- Para and Wheelchair prize money divisions at the Boston Marathon adhere to World Athletics and World Para Athletics rules of competition.
- Athletes competing in the Para and Wheelchair divisions must be nationally or internationally classified to be eligible.
