Boston Marathon increases field size

By Scott Leitch

The Boston Marathon is increasing the number of bibs it will be selling for the 2015 race.

From 2009 to 2013, the race was capped at 27,000 bibs. This year, there will be 30,000 up or grabs, 3,000 more than in recent years, but still 6,000 fewer than last year’s race, when extras were sold n the wake of the bombings at took place at the 2013 race. The 2015 race will be the third-largest in the event’s storied history.

“The BAA worked with many partners for more than a year to reclaim the joy and celebration of Patriots’ Day at the 2014 Boston Marathon,” said the organization’s executive director, Tom Grilk. “As we look forward to 2015, our goal is to accommodate as many participants as possible in the Boston Marathon, while maintaining the exceptional race experience and unique characteristics that make this event special. Our field size limit allows us to meet that goal and our registration process recognizes the commitment needed to qualify and gain entry into the Boston Marathon.”

Still, the largest field the Boston Marathon has ever hosted was the 1996 race, where the BAA sold 38,700 bibs for the centennial edition of the run.

Registration for the race will open on Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. EDT and will be held on a rolling basis with the fastest qualifiers being offered the first chance at registering.

The race will be held on Monday, April 20, which is Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.