Boston Athletic Association controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
BAA apologizes over Boston Marathon date
Company response
The Boston Athletic Association apologized for scheduling the 2021 Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples Day, stating that the date selection was not intended to detract from Indigenous celebrations. The organization also described measures to recognize Indigenous people. The apology addressed the overlap between the marathon date and the holiday, clarifying the intent behind the scheduling decision and outlining steps taken in recognition of Indigenous communities.
Company response
Apology — Boston Athletic Association
The Boston Athletic Association has issued a formal apology for scheduling the 2021 Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples Day
Source excerpt
The Boston Athletic Association has issued a formal apology for scheduling the 2021 Boston Marathon on Indigenous Peoples Day, which will be recognized in local communities including Brookline and Newton on Oct. 11.
In a statement released Friday, the BAA said that the date selection was not meant to take away from Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, and it outlined the contributions it will make to recognize the Native American community going forward.
1966
Women's exclusion from official marathon registration
The B.A.A. rejected Roberta Gibb's application on the grounds that women were not eligible for the men's marathon division. Gibb nevertheless completed the course unofficially, and later runners helped force recognition of women's marathon competition.
1951
Exclusion of Korean marathon entrants
During the Korean War, the association denied entry to three Korean runners on political and wartime grounds. The policy was reversed in 1952.
1935
Depression-era bankruptcy and financial distress
The B.A.A. defaulted on bond obligations and entered reorganization after the stock-market crash, Great Depression, declining membership, depleted reserves, and possible employee embezzlement. The clubhouse closed, but the organization was revived the following year.