2026 Boston Distance Running Series (5k, Marathon, 10k, Half-Marathon)

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) provides pathways for inclusion of runners with intellectual impairments in The Boston Marathon and other annual events.

FOUR ANNUAL EVENTS OFFERED:

Boston Athletic Association Logo

  1. Boston 5K (April 18, 2026)
  2. Boston Marathon (April 20, 2026)
  3. Boston 10k (Tentatively June 21, 2026)
  4. Boston Half Marathon (TBA November 2026)

TWO COMPETITION PATHWAYS FOR ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENTS:

  1. T20 Paralympic Division (Virtus II1 or II2 National Eligibility)
  2. General Adaptive Runner Program (Virtus II1, II2 or II3 National Eligibility)

WHO’S ELIGIBLE:

  • Athletes with National Virtus II1 or II2 eligibility can compete for prize money in the competitive Para T20 Class (without a guide runner and higher qualifying times) at this event, or may choose to stay in Adaptive Runner Program (with a guide runner and lower qualifying times).
  • Athletes with National Virtus II3-Higher Functioning Autism (who are not eligible for Para T20) can compete in the Adaptive Runner Program.

ABOUT THE T20 PARALYMPIC DIVISION:

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/II2/T20 runners with National or International classification.

To be eligible for the Para T20 Class for Intellectual Impairment athletes must provide documentation showing they meet our Virtus II1/Paralympic criteria for Intellectual Disability below (this includes athletes with Down Syndrome in our Virtus II2 group since they also meet the ID criteria. This group also includes athletes with Autism if they also meet the ID criteria below):
  1. Full Scale IQ of 75 or lower on accepted IQ assessment WAIS, WISC, or Stanford Binet, and
  2. Adaptive Behavior significant limitations (70 or lower in at least one domain area) on Vineland, ABAS or AAMR scales, and
  3. Evidence there was diagnosis of Intellectual Disability before age 22
ABOUT THE Virtus II3 GROUP FOR AUTISM:
Athletes with a formal diagnosis of Autism who don’t meet the IQ and Adaptive criteria above compete at Athletes Without Limits and Virtus events in our unique II3 Autism group. While not eligible for the Para T20 Class they can apply to the B.A.A Adaptive Runner Program.

HOW TO APPLY:
Those interested who already have Virtus 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.

New US runners with Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability should start by applying to Athletes Without Limits for an eligibility review using our US Athlete Virtus & Para Eligibility Application Page.   

BE SURE TO ALSO REGISTER WITH THE B.A.A:
You’ll also want to watch entry deadlines, complete the event registration process on the B.A.A website and apply directly to the B.A.A. Adaptive Runner Program while we work to confirm your Virtus or Para eligibility.

BOSTON PARA ATHLETICS T20 DIVISION
VS. ADAPTIVE RUNNER PROGRAM

  • WHO’S ELIGIBLE:
    • Virtus II1 athletes who have a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability or Autism with Intellectual Disability and Virtus II2 athletes who have Down Syndrome with Intellectual Disability are eligible for either the Paralympic T20 Division or the Adaptive Runner Program (depending on their qualifying times).
    • Virtus II3 Athletes with Autism who don’t meet the IQ and Adaptive criteria for Intellectual Disability are only eligible for the 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




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