BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association announced new pregnancy deferral accommodations on Tuesday, stating that it will apply to all B.A.A. events, including the Boston Marathon.
The new policy will allow registered, and eligible runners who are “expecting or have recently welcomed a child into their families” to receive “a deferred entry into one of the next two subsequent future races,” according to a press release.
“In listening to our participants and stakeholders, the desire from mothers and expecting mothers to participate in our races –particularly the Boston Marathon—while also focusing on building a family was clear,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “Women who are entered in a B.A.A. race and want to expand their family will be able to do just that without giving up a chance to participate at a future B.A.A. event.”
The new pregnancy and postpartum deferment policy is effective immediately and includes athletes who are entered in the Boston Marathon by way of qualifying time or invitational entry, according to B.A.A. officials.
Athletes seeking a pregnancy or postpartum deferral may submit a request in writing to registration@baa.org any time between receiving confirmation of acceptance into the event and up to 14 days before race day.
“We at the B.A.A. are always looking for ways to improve the participant experience starting at the point of registration, and have been collaborating to create this policy for many months,” said Susie Cleary, the B.A.A.’s Director of Athlete Services. “This new deferral accommodation has been implemented with the goal of supporting mother runners along their journey at all our events, from the 5K distance through the marathon.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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