Boston Marathon bans runners living in Russia or Belarus over Ukraine invasion

The Boston Marathon has banned runners who live in Russia or Belarus from competing in the 2022 race over the invasion of Ukraine.

“Like so many around the world, we are horrified and outraged by what we have seen and learned from the reporting in Ukraine,” said Tom Grilk, president of the Boston Athletic Association, in a news release.

“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 said.

Russian and Belarusian citizens living elsewhere can still compete in the marathon, scheduled for April 18, but they/ cannot race under the flags of either nation, the release said.

The marathon will try to refund entry fees paid by runners who are now ineligible.

The Boston Marathon “ranks as one of the world’s six most prestigious marathons,” NPR reported. Thirty-five Russians and 12 Ukrainians registered for the 2021 race.

Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine on three fronts early Feb. 24, “bombarding cities, towns and villages” as forces advanced toward the capital of Kyiv.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled while fierce fighting continues. Other nations around the world, including the United States, have enacted strict sanctions on Russia. President Joe Biden has accused Russia of war crimes in the invasion.

Ukraine, the second-largest nation in Europe by land mass, was part of the former Soviet Union until it declared independence in 1991. It is not a NATO member.

This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 1:35 PM with the headline "Boston Marathon bans runners living in Russia or Belarus over Ukraine invasion."