Every year, HHS receives a limited number of invitational entries to the Boston Marathon based on the volunteer work performed by the club. This includes both volunteer work specifically for the B.A.A. as well as volunteer work to support the running community generally.
The club conducts an application process each year. HHS members are selected based on their involvement with the club and their participation in club volunteer activities, which earn credits. An overview of the process and credit schedule is below.
Application Process Overview
- Applications are completed in the fall of each year, prior to the November 1st application deadline. A notification will be sent to all members when the application window opens, typically in late September.
- To apply, you must meet the following criteria: (a) be an active HHS member in good standing for at least a year, (b) have renewed your HHS membership for the coming year (which starts on November 1st), and (c) be a registered USATF/NE member.
- Any unused credits earned prior to the November 1st application deadline will count toward your application. Credits can be carried over year-to-year as long as your membership remains active.
- If you receive a Boston Marathon invitational entry, all previously earned credits will be considered used.
- If applicants have a similar number of credits, preference will be given to applicants that (a) have not previously received an invitational entry, and (b) have a longer membership tenure.
- Credits and invitational entries are non-transferable.
- Coach Jim will review all applications and present an initial recommendation of the members who should receive invitational entries. The recommendation will be reviewed by the full Board for final confirmation. If a Board Member or a relative of a Board Member is applying for an invitational entry, the Board member will be required to recuse themselves from the selection process.
- Selected applicants will be notified on or around December 1st of each year and have until January 31st to confirm their acceptance of an invitational entry. If a selected applicant does not confirm their acceptance by January 31st, their entry will be transferred to another applicant. The club will share a list of members who have received an invitation entry in early February.
Credit Schedule
Volunteer activities that require up to 4 hours of time, earn 1 volunteer credit. Examples of such activities include:
- B.A.A. Water Stop Volunteer (5K, 10K)
- HHS 10K or 15K Volunteer
- X-Country at Franklin Park Volunteer
- Boston Marathon - Back-Up Driver
- Carriage Rd. Water Stop Volunteer
- Errol's Park Maintenance Volunteer
Volunteer activities that require approximately 4-6 hours of time, earn 2 volunteer credits. Examples of such activities include:
- BAA Bib Stuffing (5K, 10K, HM, M)
- BAA Bag Stuffing (5K, 10K, HM, M)
- BAA Water Stop Volunteer (HM)
- Jimmy Fund Water Stop Volunteer
- Boston Marathon - Recovery Center Volunteer
- Run from Hopkinton Volunteer
- HHS Board Member
Volunteer activities that require approximately 8 hours of time, earn 3 volunteer credits. Examples of such activities include:
- Boston Marathon - Water Stop
- Boston Marathon - Morning Van Driver
- Boston Marathon - Bag Van Driver
- Mount Washington Event Captain
- B.A.A. Volunteer Coordinator
Credits can also be earned by running marathons:
- 1 credit earned for finishing any marathon in the 12 months prior to the application deadline (limit of 2 credits total)
- 2 credits earned for running a BQ time, but not making the cut-off, for the same Boston Marathon for which the invitation entry applies (limit of 4 credits total)
There may be additional volunteer opportunities during the course of the year where it is also possible to earn credits.