Application Window Now Open for 2026 Boston Marathon Medical Research Funding Program

July 7, 2025

BOSTON (July 7, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is now accepting applications from scientific researchers interested in being part of the 2026 Boston Marathon Medical Research Program at the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, to be run on April 20, 2026.

The B.A.A. Medical Research Funding Program provides an annual request for proposal for scientific researchers to conduct research at the world’s oldest annual marathon. Investigators are asked to submit scientific proposals for projects that can be conducted in conjunction with the race.

The Boston Marathon has a long-standing tradition of supporting clinical and physiologic research, with published medical studies dating back to the early 1900s. Clinical and scientific questions surrounding athlete health and performance are often studied in field projects such as organized road races.

All applications received by the September 7, 2025, submission deadline will be considered by B.A.A. leadership, medical directors and an external panel of scientific experts. Awardees will be chosen and notified with ample time to secure institutional review board approval.

Proposals for field studies aimed at delineating key aspects of athlete health and performance are encouraged, as are studies inclusive of Para athletes and studies that examine issues related to gender and diversity. Proposals and any program questions should be emailed to medical@baa.org for review and response by the B.A.A.

Information on submission requirements, judgement criteria, and a timeline of the Medical Research Funding Program can be found here.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.) 

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509 million in state and local economic activity. The 129th Boston Marathon took place on Monday, April 21, 2025, while the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

Boston Athletic Association | Boston, MA 02116 | www.baa.org | media@baa.org

Application Window Now Open for 2026 Boston Marathon Medical Research Funding Program

MEDIA CONTACT

Chris Lotsbom
Director of Race Communications & Media
Clotsbom@baa.org