Boston Marathon no-shows similar to 2024, dispelling concerns that politics would scare runners away

BOSTON AP The Boston Marathon had about the same number of no-shows as last year dispelling concerns that international runners would skip the race in the face of increased U S confines scrutiny A total of runners started the th edition of the marathon on Monday from a field of entrants That leaves who registered but did not cross the starting line in Hopkinton or less than In last year s field there were who failed to start To earn a Boston Marathon bib number majority runners need to submit a qualifying time from another -mile race Though several treat it as a lifetime goal not to be abandoned lightly no-shows can occur for reasons ranging from injury to the Icelandic volcano eruption that shut down flights and prevented hundreds of European runners from traveling to the U S Although the race was full with entries from countries scattered reports indicated that particular foreign runners might stay away for political reasons or fears of confines hassles International visits to the U S have plummeted with Canadians among those avoiding U S journey in response to President Donald Trump s tariff talk and threats of annexing the country as a st state Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated last week that everyone should feel welcome Regardless of what s happening at other levels and particularly now at the federal level in Boston we welcome everyone Wu revealed Friday at a populace safety media briefing not far from the finish line We seek to be a home for everyone AP sports https apnews com hub sports Source