Ukraine: Boston Marathon restricts Russian runners
Russian and Belarusian athletes who had been accepted by way of open registration to the Boston Marathon and reside of their dwelling nations won’t be allowed to compete on this month’s occasion, the Boston Athletic Affiliation (BAA) mentioned on Wednesday.
Runners who’re Russian and Belarusian residents however reside outdoors both nation shall be permitted to compete however not below the Russian or Belarusian flag.
The restrictions, which additionally apply to the 5K race, are the newest in a collection of sanctions throughout world sport in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus, a key staging space for the invasion, has confronted broad punishments as properly.
“We’re horrified and outraged by what we’ve seen and discovered from the reporting in Ukraine,” BAA President and CEO Tom Grilk mentioned in a press release.
“We consider that operating is a world sport and, as such, we should do what we will to indicate our assist to the individuals of Ukraine.”
The BAA mentioned it won’t acknowledge nation affiliation or the flag of Russia or Belarus at any of its races and occasions “till additional discover.”
The annual highway race is the world’s oldest marathon and one in all six that comprise the celebrated World Marathon Majors, attracting a few of the world’s prime runners.
This 12 months’s race is ready for April 18.
Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Modifying by Ken Ferris
