‘On us’: B.A.A. apologizes after Black spectators say Newton police targeted them during Marathon

NEWTON, Mass. — The Boston Athletic Association on Thursday issued an apology after Black members of two premier running clubs say they were “targeted and singled-out” by Newton police while watching the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston sent a complaint letter to the City of Newton and the Newton Police Department after members of The TrailblazHers Run Co. and Pioneers Run Crew spoke out about being unfairly policed along the route at mile 21 along Commonwealth Avenue.

Members of the group claim police set out to block Black people from cheering the Marathon participants “based on their race and identity,” according to LCR’s letter.

In a statement, the B.A.A. officials admitted that they should have done more to create a more welcoming and supportive environment along the 26.2 mile race route.

“We know what the Boston Marathon means to our communities; it is very personal to so many of you. We know that everyone who participates loves to celebrate the excitement of the race, whether you are an athlete, volunteer, spectator, or supporter,” the B.A.A. said in a statement. “However, this year, we know that we did not deliver on our promise to make it a great day for everyone. We met with two groups last night, who the B.A.A. proudly supports in their running activities, their members, and their mission -- PIONEERS Run Crew and TrailblazHers Run Co. - two of Boston’s premier clubs for BIPOC runners. They expressed to us their deep concerns that they were not given the chance to enjoy the day and celebrate their friends, families and all participants as they approached Heartbreak Hill – that is on us. It is our job, and we need to do better to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of the BIPOC communities at the marathon.”

On race day, Mike Remy posted a YouTube video that showed a heavy police presence near mile 21. In the video, Remy said Newton officers on patrol bikes blocked a group of primarily Black spectators from the Marathon course.

Officials react to social media video of increased police presence along marathon route in Newton

Some people questioned whether the group of spectators, made up of members of The TrailblazHers Run Co. and Pioneers Run Crew, was being unfairly policed.

Remy spoke to Boston 25 Thursday, expressing gratitude for the BAA’s response but stated there is more work to be done.

“It’s a step. It’s definitely a step. An appreciated step. It cant be the final step,” remarked Remy. “I also appreciate taking the time and care to do things the right way.”

Newton police said its response was in connection with loud music that was being played at a chaotic scene. They also said the B.A.A. had notified them that the group was “traversing the rope line.”

In response to the questioning, Newton police said in a statement, “After being notified by the B.A.A. three times about spectators traversing the rope barrier and impeding runners, the Newton Police Department responded respectfully and repeatedly requesting that spectators stay behind the rope and not encroach onto the course. When spectators continued to cross the rope, NPD with additional officers calmly used bicycles for a short period to demarcate the course and keep both the runners and spectators safe.”

The B.A.A. also thanked first responders from the eight cities along the route for all the hard work they put in and asked for support in improving the event moving forward.

“We appreciate and rely on the support and services of the eight cities and towns that make up the Boston Marathon course,” the B.A.A. said. “We could not do it without the first responders and law enforcement agencies across 26.2 miles that are necessary at an event of this scale. We ask for everyone’s support as we move forward to improve the event for generations to come.”

In the letter, LCR also demanded an independent investigation of police surveillance and law enforcement tactics during the Marathon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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