Officials Address Racism Claims At Boston Marathon, "We Need To Do Better"

Reports of racist police actions at the Boston Marathon have been addressed by officials who say that they "did not deliver on our promise to make it a great day for everyone."

The Boston Marathon runners had a good showing this year, but officials said that it was not a great day for everyone.
Photo Credit: *Flickr / Lorianne DiSabato*

Morgan Gonzales

04/20/2023 2:59 p.m.

Photos and videos of an inequitable police presence at the Boston Marathon have been swirling around on social media since race day, Monday, April 17. Three days later, the marathon's official Twitter account published a response to the accusations.

"We met with two groups last night, who the B.A.A. proudly supports in their running activities, their members and their mission - PIONEERS Run Crew and TrailblazHers Run Co. - two of Boston's premier clubs for BIPOC runners," wrote Jack Fleming, President & CEO of the Boston Athletic Association.

The two groups took to Instagram to post a video showing people of color cheering and dancing at the marathon.

"This is the energy they tried to police," the post reads.

"We cheer every year not far from this spot for 25 years and have NEVER seen this line up by the cops. NEVER," said Twitter user @Badgergrrrl.

"They expressed to us their deep concerns that they were not given the chance to enjoy the day and celebrate their friends, families and all participants as they approached Heartbreak Hill - that is on us," Fleming's statement continued. "It is our job, and we need to do better to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of the BIPOC communities at the marathon."

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