Schedule of Events
(Media-specific events are underlined.)
Scholars & Stars: World Class Athletes Inspiring Teen Achievers
Reggie Lewis Track, Boston
Wednesday, April 11
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
John Hancock, in partnership with the Boston Scholar Athlete Program, brings members of Boston high school track teams together to meet and train with world-class marathoners, including past champions, Olympians, and top Americans.
John Hancock Adopt-a-Marathoner Program
Hopkinton, MA
Thursday, April 12
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
John Hancock brings the elite Kenyan runners together with Hopkinton elementary students for a pre-race pep rally in the historic town where the Marathon begins. Students study the culture of their running friends throughout the year.
B.A.A. Media Conference
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Thursday, April 12
2:30 p.m.
The Boston Athletic Association announced in February a revised process by which runners will enter future Boston Marathons. Representatives of the B.A.A. will discuss the new registration procedures and other, new aspects of the race.
“Cheers” to the Boston Marathon
Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street, Boston
Thursday, April 12
6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
The B.A.A., adidas, and Cheers celebrate the official start of Race Weekend.
John Hancock Elite Athlete Program
Media Conference
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Oval & Venetian Rooms
Friday, April 13
10:00 a.m.
Principal sponsor John Hancock presents the top competitors running the 116th Boston Marathon, including past champions, Olympians and top Americans. Media are provided individual interview opportunities.
B.A.A. 5K and Invitational Mile
Media Conference Fairmont Copley Plaza, Venetian Room
Friday, April 13
2:30 p.m.
Notable athletes of the B.A.A. 5K, Scholastic and Professional Invitational Mile will be available to the media.
Number Pick-up Seaport
World Trade Center
Friday, April 13 (2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.);
Saturday, April 15 (8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) & Sunday, April 16 (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.)
Registered athletes pick up their official race numbers.
John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo Seaport
World Trade Center
Friday, April 14 (2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.);
Saturday, April 15 (8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) & Sunday, April 16 (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.)The 35th annual John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo features more than 200 exhibitors and is widely regarded as the running industry’s premier showcase for new products, services and events.
Complimentary admission courtesy of John Hancock, Conventures, Inc., and the B.A.A.
B.A.A. Champions’ Breakfast
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Oval Room
Saturday, April 14
10:00 a.m.
The B.A.A. presents bib numbers to the defending champions
B.A.A. Relay Challenge
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
Saturday, April 14 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
16th-annual event for more than 800 kids from the B.A.A.’s Club 116, a B.A.A. youth running program. This event is presented by the B.A.A., in partnership with adidas and the City of Boston.
Boston Marathon Course Tours
Depart from Sheraton Hotel, Dalton Street, Boston
Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m.
The event is conducted by Marathon Tours & Travel. Advance sign-up is required at the press credentials office. Tour lasts more than two hours. Space is limited.
B.A.A. 5K and Invitational Mile
Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston
Sunday, April 15
8:00 a.m.
A competitive 5K through the Back Bay will be immediately followed by an Invitational Mile featuring some of the top professional and scholastic milers. Now in its second year, boys and girls middle school runners from the Marathon race course communities will compete in 1,000 meter races. Media credentials for the 2012 Boston Marathon will grant access for coverage EXCEPT for the finish line area; to obtain a separate credential for finish line photos contact Chris Conley at 617-778-1629 until April 12 and 617-375-9800 from April 12 to race day.
Boston Marathon Pre-Race Dinner
City Hall Plaza near Faneuil Hall
Sunday, April 15
4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
A dinner for athletes and guests. The Big Apple Circus will be hosting mini-performances under the Big Top, on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the media are invited. Any press credential gains entry.
Boston Marathon Race Day Press Conference
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Grand Ballroom
Monday, April 16
Approximately 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Post-race interviews with winners and contenders in all divisions begin at approximately 11:00 a.m.,
at the conclusion of the push rim wheelchair division race, and last until approximately 2:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Grand Ballroom
Monday, April 16 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The champions and top finishers receive their awards.
Post-Race Party
House of Blues, Lansdowne Street, Boston
Monday, April 16
7:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Celebrate the day’s events! See www.baa.org for details. Any media credential gains entry.
Wrap-up Media Conference
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Venetian Room
Tuesday, April 17
10:00 a.m.
This conference features 2012 Boston Marathon champions, and other notable finishers.
Other Notes Of Interest
Future Race Dates:
Monday, April 15, 2013 (117th Boston Marathon)
Monday, April 21, 2014 (118th Boston Marathon)
Monday, April 20, 2015 (119th Boston Marathon)
TV Broadcasts: The race will be televised live in its entirety, locally on WBZ-TV
(Channel 4), nationally on Universal Sports and online at UniversalSports.com.
No Bicycles: Boston Police and B.A.A. security personnel will not allow bicycles into the secured area of Copley Square. Bike couriers should secure their bikes at the Dartmouth St. entrance to the area. Couriers must also have proper credentials.
Access to Medical Tent: The media may be permitted access to the medical tent under controlled, non-emergency circumstances, and in non-critical care areas. Please be aware that the marathon medical and security staffs may suspend access to the tent as deemed appropriate and at any time.