Image credit: B.A.A.
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that Point32Health has been named the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A., as well as Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K. The Massachusetts-based health care organization will be an official sponsor of B.A.A. events throughout the year, including at the Boston Marathon, June’s B.A.A. 10K, and November’s B.A.A. Half Marathon.
“The B.A.A. and Point32Health share a common bond in prioritizing and focusing on the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “As two organizations with deep local roots, we look forward to expanding the positive impact that wellness can have, no matter if you’re an experienced runner or new to the sport.”
Point32Health is a leading, nonprofit health and wellbeing organization, delivering a better health care experience to its members and the communities they serve. One of the top twenty health plans in the United States, Point32Health builds on the quality of its founding organizations, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. They offer a diverse range of health plans that help improve the health and wellness of the 2.2 million members they serve. Every day, they work to deliver on their purpose of guiding and empowering healthier lives for everyone.
“Point32Health is thrilled to support the B.A.A. and athletes from across the world in their quest for athletic achievement,” said Cain A. Hayes, president and CEO of Point32Health. “We look forward to playing an important role in these inspiring events and celebrating with the entire city of Boston, each runner’s unique journey from the start to the finish line.”
As the first presenting sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K, Point32Health will field a team of 400 athletes for this year’s race on April 15. The B.A.A. 5K annually kicks off Boston Marathon weekend, with nearly 10,000 athletes running through Back Bay and across the Boston Marathon finish line before completing the 3.1-mile race at Boston Common. The B.A.A. 5K presented by Point32Health is recognized as one of the fastest and most competitive 5K races in the world. The Official Fundraising Partner of the B.A.A. 5K, Special Olympics Massachusetts, raised more than $75,000 through last year’s race and will welcome 100 athletes to Boston this April to support an inclusive environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“I am delighted that Point32Health is the official health insurance provider of the B.A.A. as well as the Presenting Sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K,” said Joan Benoit Samuelson, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, two-time Boston Marathon winner, and Beach2Beacon 10K founder. “Having worked with Point32Health, and as a long time Harvard Pilgrim member, I know first-hand their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their members and communities, and I am pleased to see them extend this commitment to the running community that comes from around the world to Boston to fulfill dreams.”
Participants and spectators will also find Point32Health at the Boston Marathon Expo and Fan Fest on race weekend, and on Patriots’ Day leading a special cheer zone along the course. Year round, Point32Health and the B.A.A. will collaborate to promote a healthy lifestyle through digital campaigns and messaging. The new partnership will also support the B.A.A.’s ongoing community events and initiatives.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John Hancock. The 127th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 17, 2023. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.
