December 6, 2019 --The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Special Olympics Massachusetts has been named the Official Fundraising Partner of the B.A.A. 5K. Using the power of sport to bring people together, Special Olympics Massachusetts will feature a fundraising team at next year's B.A.A. 5K, to be held on Saturday, April 18 - two days prior to the 124th running of the Boston Marathon.

First run in 2009, the B.A.A. 5K annually features 10,000 participants from around the globe running through Boston's Back Bay neighborhoods, starting and finishing at Boston Common. It is the first race of the B.A.A. Distance Medley, a three-race series which includes the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and B.A.A. Half Marathon.

''We are delighted to welcome Special Olympics Massachusetts into the B.A.A. family, and look forward to a meaningful partnership surrounding our B.A.A. 5K," said Tom Grilk, Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. ''Special Olympics provides the opportunity for so many to experience the benefits of active lifestyles and the thrill of athletic competition - two virtues that are on full display at the B.A.A. 5K." As Official Fundraising Partner, Special Olympics Massachusetts will feature a team of 100 runners fundraising through the B.A.A. 5K. Runners who commit to fundraise for Special Olympics Massachusetts will be official members of their Xtra Mile team - training, fundraising and Experiencing Inclusion leading up to and throughout race weekend. Xtra Mile team members will receive exclusive gear, VIP engagement opportunities, and more.

''Special Olympics is so proud to be counted among the partners of the Boston Athletic Association," said Mary Beth McMahon, President & CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. ''The clear synergy of our organizational missions makes this a no-brainer. We cannot wait to see Special Olympics athletes and supporters on the course of the B.A.A. 5K. The funds raised through this incredible partnership are critical to the growth of our organization. We're excited to see what the future holds."

As a leader in providing inclusive sports and athletic competition and training across the commonwealth, Special Olympics Massachusetts uses the power of sports to bring people together. Special Olympics Massachusetts believes that everyone, regardless if they have an intellectual disability or not, deserves to be a fully included member of their community. When given the opportunity to succeed, athletes with intellectual disabilities have the power to change perceptions in all aspects of life.

Special Olympics provides opportunities for individuals to participate in athletic programming from the time they are two years old through adulthood. In addition to sport-specific training, Special Olympics offers fitness training in conjunction with partners throughout Massachusetts to help ensure athletes of all abilities are given the opportunity to get and stay fit.The B.A.A. 5K annually serves as a kick-off to Boston Marathon weekend. More than 75,000 athletes have finished the race since its inception in 2009, including participants from 83 countries and all 50 states in 2019. Registration for the B.A.A. 5K will open on January 15 at www.baa.org.

The B.A.A. 5K welcomes athletes of all abilities to experience the joy of racing on Boston Marathon weekend. The race route starts on Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden, runs along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, up Hereford Street and down Boylston Street before crossing the Boston Marathon finish line en route to the finish on Charles Street.For more information about the B.A.A. 5K, please visit www.baa.org.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.)

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of 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. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. More than 60,000 runners will participate in B.A.A. events in 2020. The 124th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Interested runners can fill out the interest form. By completing the form you will be added to an email list and receive further information about the application process when details become available. Completing the interest form does not constitute an application or mean you are a member of the team.