Runners Will Get a Chance to Finish the Boston Marathon in 2014

The Boston Athletic Association is offering the more than 5,000 runners who were unable to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, a “special invitation” to sign up for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

Registration for the 2014 Boston Marathon is scheduled for September, and 2013 Boston Marathon participants who were unable to cross the finish line on Boylston Street will receive a non-transferable, unique code in early August to be used for entry, according to the B.A.A. “The opportunity to run down Boylston Street and to cross the finish line amid thousands of spectators is a significant part of the entire Boston Marathon experience,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director, in a statement on Thursday. “With the opportunity to return and participate in 2014, we look forward to inviting back these athletes and we expect that most will renew their marathon training commitment.”

Grilk says because of the horrendous acts committed at this year’s marathon, he expects that more attendees will show their support for runners, and cheer even louder as participants run toward Boylston Street and the site of the attack.

To be eligible to return in 2014, participants from this year’s race must have been an official entrant who started the race and who reached the half marathon. Of those who were unable to finish, 2,611 are from Massachusetts and 726 are from other countries. The group is comprised of 2,983 women and 2,650 men and ages range from 18 to 82. Officials have reached out to those who were unable to complete the race via email.

According to the requirements set by B.A.A. officials:

An applicant’s entry will be guaranteed only during a designated registration period. Participants will be required to pay an entry fee, which has yet to be determined. No decision has been made on the maximum field size for the 2014 Boston Marathon, including the number of qualifiers and invitational applications available. The B.A.A. will work with many partners, including public safety officials, before determining changes, if necessary, to the event and the race.

The decision comes on the heels of an online petition, signed by thousands of racers and supporters, asking that those who were unable to finish the race on April 15 be allowed to try again next year.