Boston Athletic Association and SPORTFIVE Partner in Pursuit of Boston Marathon’s Next Primary Sponsor

Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. said: “We look forward to a new and exciting era in Boston Marathon history as we partner with an organization which shares our vision of providing memorable athletic experiences for runners, spectators, and the community. The Boston Marathon is more than just a road race – it is a community experience that we enthusiastically look forward to sharing with our next primary partner thanks to the efforts of the team at SPORTFIVE.”

The Boston Marathon is traditionally run on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday in April, and is broadcast live in more than 200 countries worldwide. SPORTFIVE has worked with the Boston Athletic Association for over 30 years in every aspect of the Boston Marathon’s television production, distribution, streaming, archive sales, and as an executive producer of three telecasts of the marathon —local, national, and international. The 127th running of the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023, will be the final race for John Hancock, who has served as principal sponsor since 1986.

“The Boston Marathon is one of the most historic and prestigious sporting events in the world and we’re proud to deepen our relationship with the Boston Athletic Association to help find the race’s next primary sponsor. The third Monday in April is a holiday on the global sports calendar, and this partnership is an exciting sponsorship opportunity for the right brand and one that has not been available in nearly two generations.”, said Neil Glat, Co-President, Americas for SPORTFIVE.

The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle of road racing by virtue of its heritage, longevity, and qualifying standards. More than 30,000 participants compete in the B.A.A.’s signature event each year, hailing from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Beyond world-class competition at the front of the field –featuring Olympians, Paralympians, national record holders, and global medalists—the Boston Marathon annually raises upwards of $40 million for non-profit organizations, and has an estimated economic impact of $200 million on the Greater Boston community.

As one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Boston Marathon is recognized for being a global leader in the sport of road racing. Among its storied history, the Boston Marathon was the first major marathon to welcome wheelchair participants, feature Para Athletics Divisions, and is a pioneer in the women’s running movement. It has played host to a myriad of memorable finishes and milestone races, and counts five Olympic marathon gold medalists among its illustrious list of champions. Thousands of runners from around the world annually aim to earn their Boston Marathon qualifying time (better known as a ‘BQ’) with hopes of toeing the starting line in Hopkinton for a chance to earn the coveted unicorn finisher medal upon reaching the finish on Boylston Street in downtown Boston.

SPORTFIVE has an experienced and robust international workforce providing cutting edge services to sports rightsholders around the world. The agency manages rights and delivers premium events across more than 30 different sports, some of which include Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga, English Football Association (FA), English Premier League, Flamengo, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, LPGA, New York Knicks, New York Jets, and PGA TOUR, among many others. On average, SPORTFIVE generates over $1 billion in gross sales per year, on behalf of its valued rightsholder clients.

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision in a variety of ways, such as organizing mass-participatory running events like the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area. 

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about the B.A.A., please click here.

ABOUT SPORTFIVE

SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.

While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.

Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Esports, Motorsport, Handball, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events and many more.