The Boston Athletics Association has banned athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in the Boston Marathon, which takes place Monday (11) in Boston.
The BAA released the press statement on Wednesday, citing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the assistance of the Belarus government.
“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” said BAA President & CEO Tom Grilk.
“We believe that running is a global sport, and as such, we must do what we can to show our support to the people of Ukraine.”
The race organisers said that the Russian and Belarusian runners that were accepted into the elite race would be refunded back their money.
No Russian or Belarusian men have ever won the annual race since it began in 1897. Lidiya Grigoryeva was the last Russian woman to win the 26.2-mile competition in 2007.
The 25th edition of the marathon was won by Diana Chemtai Kipyogei from Kenya who had only run two marathons prior to competing in Boston.
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