In 2023 The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) made an important announcement when they added a competitive division for intellectual impairment which is open to Virtus II1/T20 runners with National or International classification.
The T20 Para Division is now offered at three BAA events:
The Boston 5K (April 19, 2025)
The Boston Marathon (April 21, 2025)
Boston 10k (June 22, 2025)
ENTRY DEADLINE:
Regardless of the entry deadline all interested athletes with Intellectual Impairment should reach out since this is a newer offering and space may still be available for athletes with Virtus II1 – Para T20 National or International Classification.
To be eligible for the Para T20 Class for Intellectual Impairment athletes must provide documentation showing they meet the three criteria below:
- Full Scale IQ of 75 or lower on accepted IQ assessment (WAIS, WISC, Stanford Binet)
- Significant limitations in at least one domain area of Adaptive Behavior (Vineland, ABAS or AAMR assessment)
- Onset before age 22
Those interested who already have Virtus II1/T20 eligibility (listed our
US Track & Field National List) should reach out to Athletes Without Limits using our
Contact Us form so we can help you navigate this new opportunity.
Those who require T20 National Classification should apply to Athletes Without Limits using our Athlete Eligibility Application (we will let Boston and U.S. Paralympics know when you’ve competed your Virtus II-1/Para T20 Classification review.
BOSTON PARA ATHLETICS T20 DIVISION
VS. ADAPTIVE RUNNER PROGRAM
- QUALIFYING TIMES: Times are faster to qualify for the T20 Para Division. Additionally, the T20 Para Division offers complimentary entry to those who can meet the fastest T20 High Performance Time Standards. While the Adaptive Program for Runners offers slower qualifying times since it’s intention is to offer additional opportunities for participation.
- PRIZES: There prize money for the first three male and female finishers in the T20 Para events — while there is no prize money in the Adaptive Program which, again, is intended to provide additional participation opportunities.
- SUPPORT RUNNER: Support Runners are not permitted for athletes with Intellectual Impairment in the more competitive T20 Para Event which follows the same rules as the Paralympics. Athletes who require a support runner should explore the Adaptive Program for Runners, which allows competitors with intellectual impairments to run with a Support Runner.
LINKS TO BAA WEBSITE:
Read more about the Para Athletics Division 20 Competition on the BAA Website
Read more about the Adaptive Runner Program on the BAA Website
