B.A.A. counts down 10 highlights from 10 years beginning today
Boston, Mass. -- In celebration of the 10th Annual B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund, the Boston Athletic Association announced today it will begin an event countdown on its new website beginning this afternoon. The ten-day countdown will display a different highlight from ten years of the popular race with a short story, and will end on Saturday, October 9, the night before the event. An advanced preview of the countdown is included here:
Thursday, September 30
10 -- Partnership with Dana-Farber
Since 2003, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund have been the presenting sponsor of the B.A.A. Half Marathon. This partnership allows members of the Dana-Farber Runners team to raise funds while training for the 13.1 mile race.
Friday, October 1
9 -- Martin Fagan nearly sets course record in 2009
Ireland's Martin Fagan emerged through the Emerald Necklace just one second off of Thomas Nyariki's 2007 course record time. It was a battle.
Saturday October 2
8 -- The unbeatable Tony Nogueira
Course record holder and five-time winner, Tony Nogueira has become synonymous with winning at the B.A.A. Half Marathon.
Sunday, October 3
7 -- Trailblazer Wayne Levy -- 2001 Champion
In the fledgling B.A.A. Half Marathon's first year, the B.A.A.'s own Wayne Levy led the way. He's run the Half Marathon every year since.
Monday, October 4
6 -- 43 people aiming to run all ten B.A.A. Half Marathons
Follow them, they've run this course before.
Tuesday, October 5
5 -- Running through Franklin Park Zoo
Dear Runners: Just because it's eerily quiet, don't think you're not being watched.
Wednesday, October 6
4 -- Sarah Nixon back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002
The only runner in race history to win back-to-back B.A.A. Half Marathon titles, Nixon was running for more than just victory.
Thursday, October 7
3 -- Davenport Dominance
Course record holder and Olympian, Marie Davenport etched her name in B.A.A. history with her dominating performances in 2003 and 2006.
Friday, October 8
2 -- 2007 Men's Showdown, Photo Finish
The winner of the fastest B.A.A. Half Marathon wasn't decided until the break tape. That's where Tom Nyariki made a move.
Saturday, October 9
1 -- The Emerald Necklace
Parklands are the strength of many cities. Thanks to the vision of one man, Boston's parks hold a distinction. Thanks to the City of Boston's Parks and Recreation Department and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy -- this park system comprises jewels for all to enjoy.
The 10th Annual B.A.A. Half Marathon - Fast Facts
| Start Time: 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, 10.10.10 |
| Start and Finish: White Stadium, Boston's Franklin Park |
| Distance: 13 miles, 176 yards (21.082 Kilometers) |
| Organizer: Boston Athletic Association |
| Presenting Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund |
| Field Size: 6,000 official participants |
| Elite Athletes: A talented field of elite athletes from around the world will compete in the Half Marathon for a total of $30,000 in prize money. A full list of competitors will be released on Monday, October 4th. Prize money is awarded equally to men and women based on the time from the starting gun (not by net time), including $5,000 to the winners of the men's and women's open division. |
| The Course: B.A.A. Half Marathon course is an out-and-back route that takes runners along the Emerald Necklace park system, and includes a section of the Franklin Park Zoo. It is certified per the guidelines set forth by USA Track and Field. |
| New for 2010: Runners will start and finish in White Stadium in Franklin Park. |
Course Records:
| Men's Open | 1:02:20 | Tom Nyariki | 36 | KEN | 2007 |
| Women's Open | 1:10:57 | Marie Davenport | 28 | IRL | 2003 |
| Men's Wheelchair | 53:07 | Tony Nogueira | 36 | NJ | 2004 |
| | 53:07 | Tony Nogueira | 40 | NJ | 2008 |
| Women's Wheelchair | 1:09:44 | Laurie Stephens | 20 | MA | 2004 |
| Men's Masters | 1:05:12 | Eddy Hellebuyck | 42 | NM | 2003 |
| Women's Masters | 1:15:19 | Firaya Sultanova-Zhdanova | 44 | RUS | 2005 |
Defending Champions:
| Men's Open | 1:02:21 | Martin Fagan | 26 | IRL | 2009 |
| Women's Open | 1:11:07 | Belainesh Zemedkun Gebre | 21 | ETH | 2009 |
| Men's Wheelchair | 55:36 | Tony Nogueira | 41 | NJ | 2009 |
| Women's Wheelchair | 1:17:00 | Laurie Stephens | 24 | MA | 2008 |
| Men's Masters | 1:07:42 | Joseph Koech | 40 | KEN | 2009 |
| Women's Masters | 1:30:45 | Laura Lipcsei | 41 | CAN/MA | 2009 |
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial.
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