Russian and Belarusian citizens who reside in their home countries have been banned from competing in the Boston Marathon this year.
According to a report by Newsweek, racers from the countries are also no longer allowed to take part in the 5-kilometer race (which took place on April 16), two days before the 26.2-mile marathon later today.
The decision was announced by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) on April 6 and marks yet another example of sanctions placed upon the nations since Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine back in February 2022.
To this date, fighting in Ukraine has led to over a thousand civilian deaths, per the United Nations, forced millions of Ukrainian people to flee their homes, and decimated cities and infrastructure across the country.
However, not all Russian and Belarusian runners have been banned from the Boston Marathon and BAA 5K. Those who were accepted into the races as part of the open registration process but are not residents of either country will still be able to compete - just not under their nation's flags.
BAA President and CEO Tom Grilk spoke about the decision in a statement, where he said: "Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine."
"We believe that running is a global sport, and as such, we must do what we can to show our support to the people of Ukraine," Grilk added.
He went on to say that the BAA will make "reasonable attempts to refund Russian and Belarusian athletes no longer able to compete, "within the constraints as imposed by federal and international sanctions."
As for Ukrainian racers registered to compete in the marathon today, the BAA said that they would provide all those unable to attend with a refund or give them the option to participate in a later year.
The Boston Marathon was first run in 1897, and is, therefore, the world's oldest annual marathon event.
If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.
