An overview of elite runners at the start of the 2021 Boston Marathon. (Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports / File Photo)
Russian and Belarusian athletes were accepted through open registration on Boston Marathon and residents of their home country will not be allowed to compete in this month’s event, the Boston Athletes Association (BAA) said Wednesday.
Athletes who are citizens of Russia and Belarus but reside outside of either country will be allowed to compete but will not be allowed to compete under the flags of Russia or Belarus.
The restrictions, which also apply to the 5K race, are the latest in a series of global sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus, a major staging area for the invasion, has also faced widespread penalties.
“We are appalled and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the report in Ukraine,” BAA President and CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement.
“We believe that running is a global sport and as such, we must do what we can to show our support for the Ukrainian people.”
The BAA said it would not recognize national affiliation or flags of Russia or Belarus at any of its races and events “until further notice.”
The annual road race is the world’s oldest marathon and one of six that comprise the prestigious International Marathons, attracting some of the world’s top runners.
This year’s race is set for April 18.
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