Dear Boston Marathon Participants and Friends,

On behalf of the Boston Athletic Association, principal sponsor John Hancock, and all of our sponsors and supporters, welcome to the City of Boston and the 126th running of the Boston Marathon.

For the first time in 1,099 days, the oldest annual marathon in the world returns to its traditional race date of Patriots' Day. We couldn't be more elated to host you for this year's event, which not only marks another step forward in our return to in-person road racing but also a springtime resurgence within the Greater Boston community. Whether this is your first or 50th Boston Marathon, we hope your race experience is memorable from start to finish.

This year we recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Boston Marathon, which featured the first official women's division in race history. On April 17, 1972, eight women ran from Hopkinton to Boston and into the record books. Five decades later, more than 12,000 women will line up and run in their historic footsteps, earning the coveted unicorn medal upon reaching Boylston Street. Together we'll honor and highlight the many women trailblazers who have made the Boston Marathon what it is today.

At the front of the field is the fastest group of contenders in race history, including defending champions Benson Kipruto, Manuela Schar, and Marcel Hug, as well as Olympic medalists Peres Jepchirchir, Kenenisa Bekele, and Molly Seidel. It will surely be a very compelling—and fast—race for the podium.

We at the Boston Athletic Association take great pride in organizing the most historic annual footrace in the world. However, it would not be possible without the dedicated support from so many people, including our nearly 10,000 volunteers. We also thank the many state, local, and federal officials who coordinate race and public safety efforts in the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route, helping ensure a safe and successful experience for all.

And finally, we extend a very special thank you to John Hancock, with whom we celebrate 37 years since our partnership began in 1986. Thank you for joining us for the April return of the Boston Marathon, and we wish you a wonderful race experience.

Sincerely,

Michael P. O'Leary, M.D.

Chairman of the Board

Thomas S. Grilk

President & Chief Executive Officer