Boston Marathon organizers admit that mistakes were made in the case of two Black running clubs that were racially profiled during Monday’s race.
The story made headlines this week after Black attendees stationed within a cheer zone at the marathon were wrongly profiled by police for cheering on members of their running group, Pioneers Run Club. According to attendee Jean Mike Remy, it is common practice for supporters of runners to jog onto the course to celebrate with friends for a few moments. This is especially true when runners reach Mile 21. Usually, the most challenging stretch of the marathon, completing it is an extraordinary feat. However, Remy says when his group tried to celebrate the monumental completion, they were instantly surrounded by police officers. A video shared on social media shows multiple Newton officers barricading the group from accessing that part of the race. Several officers positioned themselves behind the group. Remy and other club members have accused the officers of over-policing them.
The department claims they responded “respectfully” after receiving multiple complaints about the group crossing over the rope. Now, Boston Athletic Association President and CEO Jack Fleming is siding with Pioneers Run Club and TrailblazHers Run Co., whose supporters were also profiled by cops.
“This year, we know that we did not deliver on our promise to make it a great day for everyone,” Fleming shared in a statement Thursday. He revealed that he met with both clubs to hear their concerns and learned they’d been mistreated. It says creating a welcoming environment is the job of organizers.
“We need to do better to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of the BIPOC communities at the marathon,” Fleming added.
Members and fans of Pioneers usually gather on the sideline with tents, music, and grills as they await their club’s runners to appear on the portion of course known as “Heartbreak Hill.”
