The Boston Marathon's mid-pandemic plan to hand out coveted medals to 70,000 people who walk or run the 26.2-mile distance wherever they are has roiled the usually genteel running world. The Boston Athletic Association still hopes to hold an in-person race in October, but will cut the field size to make it safer for athletes and spectators. As a consolation prize, it's offering medals to people who complete a virtual version. Some runners who've spent years training to qualify for the real thing say the BAA is cheapening the experience. Others are denouncing the complaints as elitist.
Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.
Copyright AP - Associated Press