Boston Marathon Runners Should Plan Ahead For New COVID Protocols

The 125th Boston Marathon is just over a month away, and many participants are probably in the midst of training for the big race. But as of Thursday morning, they'll need to plan ahead for one more important piece of added protocol.

The Boston Athletic Association announced on Thursday that all runners for the marathon will need to provide either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test prior to picking up their bibs. The race is scheduled for October 11, so beginning no earlier than 72 hours prior, racers will be able to verify their vaccination status or take a COVID at a medical tent at the Boston Marathon Expo. Race eligibility due to COVID will take place at the Expo on October 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and October 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

So what happens if a runner tests positive for COVID in that period within 72 hours of the marathon? Unfortunately, they won't be able to participate in the race, and will be refunded the initial entry fee. However, participants that test positive will not receive a refund for the $25 fee they paid that helped cover costs for the marathon's COVID protocols, including testing, according to the BAA. On the bright side, though, missing the marathon because of a positive COVID test luckily won't count against those runners' consecutive finish streaks, if applicable.

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The BAA also noted that while racers will not be required to wear masks while they run course, mask requirements in indoor spaces, including the Boston Marathon Expo, on public and participant transportation, as well as in other areas during race-day will be enforced.

The Boston Marathon is just one of many fall events where proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests are becoming the requirement. Both Maroon 5 and the Jonas Brothers have set the same protocols in place for their shows at Fenway Park within the next month.