Due to the corona virus, the 2020 Boston marathon was cancelled.  It was first postponed from April to September before it was cancelled all together. As a result, runners, like myself were forced to begin their 12-20 week training programs only to abandon them and start over again, and then to learn that their efforts had been for nothing. 

In addition to this stress, many of the runners were fundraising thousands of dollars for charity in order to have the opportunity to race in the Boston Marathon. Raising money became a full time job as I organized several fundraising events every week and commuted around the city trying to solicit donations. I spent hundreds of dollars in order to secure venues for events, which never happened because of the corona virus.

At this time, many charities are told that they may manage their charity spots on their own. However this is especially difficult as many smaller charities cannot afford to forgo the funds or allows for smaller fundraising goals.

I am starting this petition to ask that the BAA allow charity raising runners from 2020 to be allowed to run in a future marathon, whether 2021 or beyond.  This is the approach that many large marathons have taken such as the New York marathon.  We should not ask charities to forgo their funds to allow us to run!

Raising money for charity has been a heartwarming and wonderful experience, but I am asking that the charity runners be able to reap the rewards of their very hard labor and financial commitment. I love the Boston Marathon and the BAA. Please let us participate on the events after so much hard work.

Edit: After speaking to a representative from the Boston Marathon who explained they they would treat all runner the same regardless of whether they were BQers or charity runners, we will now be shifting our focus to allow all 2020 entrants and opportunity to run Boston!