SPECIAL NOTE FOR 2013 HALF MARATHON ATHLETES:

The HMBIM team received numerous reports that there were course length issues with the Half Marathon both at the finish line on September 29th, and in subsequent communications. This was a very serious issue that we immediately went to work on the very same day. 

Each of our first 3 years, the Full Marathon course has been certified by the USA Track and Field (USATF) organization, but until this year the Half Marathon distance was not. We have always included the Half Marathon distance due to its popularity and to allow as many athletes to participate in the Event as possible. 

In 2013, in an effort to improve the professional approach to all events, we contacted the USATF to send us an official who could both measure and certify both the Full and Half Marathon distances. This was done according to their practices and we had full confidence that it would result in the proper outcome, as was evidenced by the issuance of the USATF certificates for both the Full and the Half distances. 

After the issues reported, we compelled the USATF certified course measurer to return to the course and re-measure, to determine exactly what the issues were, if any. This was performed on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. 

The result is as follows: 

• The Full Marathon course as remeasured on October 1, 2013 is correct and certifiable at the Full Marathon distance. Any times submitted to the Boston Marathon or any other event requiring a certified marathon time are fully valid. 
• The Half Marathon course as remeasured on October 1, 2013 showed the course as originally certified to be approximately .41 of a mile too long. 

We contacted the executive leadership of the USA Track and Field organization who were very cooperative to help us assess the issue and to respond accordingly. As stated, the times for the Full Marathon are correct for the distance, however the Half Marathon times are affected. By USATF guidelines the Half Marathon times may not be adjusted, but must stand as measured. 

The USATF office today released an official statement accepting responsiblity and addressing the issue. They have also invited anyone with any questions, concerns or needs to contact them directly for any assistance, especially if there are any needs to use the time for acceptance into another event. 

The HMIBM team worked tirelessly to create, design, measure, certify and mark the 2013 course and we take the issue very seriously. 

Below is the official statement from the USATF: