BAA responds to Marathon fans claiming to intimidate police

“We need to do better,” organizers Boston Marathon It said in a statement after meeting with two groups who complained about police treatment of them along the race course on Monday.

The controversy revolves around an energetic gathering of onlookers along Commonwealth Avenue near Heartbreak Hill and the manner in which the police responded.

“They definitely made us feel like we didn’t belong there, that we weren’t welcome there even though we’d been there for five years.” Aliese Lash, of Pioneers Run Crew, said earlier this week.

The BAA, along with the Newton Police Department, said they had received three separate complaints about spectators crossing the racetrack, which impeded the racers.

Police said they told fans to move off the track, and when spectators continued to cross the rope, they “quietly used bicycles for a short time to demarcate the track and keep the runners and spectators safe.”

Lash says her club works alongside its members as an encouragement.

“I’ve done it in the same place for the last five years without any complaints,” Lash said.

The Boston Athletic Association met with members of the Pioneers Run Crew and TrailblazHers Run Co., President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, Jack Fleming, in the statement.

“They expressed to us their deepest fears that they would not be given the opportunity to enjoy the day and celebrate with their friends, family and all involved as they approached Heartbreak Hill – it’s on us,” Fleming wrote. “It’s our job, and we need to do a better job of creating an environment that welcomes and supports the communities (Black, Indigenous and Colored) in the marathon.”

A representative for both running groups declined to comment Thursday, but civil rights advocates are calling for a dialogue with Newton Police.

“The tactics and aggressive nature of their response is overwhelming. It was racially motivated and we’d love to talk to them and see how we can do better in the future,” said Tachyna Davis of Lawyers for Civil Rights.

In a statement, Newton Mayor Ruthan Fuller said Newton Police had been notified three times by the BAA about spectators running past the rope barrier and impeding runners, and that police “responded respectfully” and repeatedly asked spectators to stay behind the rope and not trespass on the course.

“The combined goal of the Boston Athletic Association, the City of Newton and the Newton Police Department is for everyone — runners and spectators — to have a safe and exhilarating marathon day. The 21 Mile Start running clubs are great champions in a diverse and inclusive running culture,” Fuller said in her statement. We love having them here in Newton on Marathon Day, and cheering on the runners as they approach Heartbreak Hill.” “The responsibility of the Newton Police Department on Marathon Day is to respond to calls regarding spectators at the track to maintain a safe environment for runners.”

According to Fuller, Newton Police and additional officers “quietly used bicycles for a while” to demarcate the path when spectators continued to cross the rope.

“We know this was deeply upsetting to these onlookers. We have heard their deepest concerns,” the mayor said in her statement.

Fuller said she and Newton Police Chief John Carmichael are looking forward to speaking with the Pioneers Run Crew and TrailblazHers Run Co about what happened and how future responses can be better “if and when it’s right for them.” The mayor said the city is looking forward to welcoming back running clubs next year.

Full affidavit from BAA:

“We know what the Boston Marathon means to our communities; it is very personal to many of you. We know that everyone who participates loves to celebrate the excitement of the race, whether you are an athlete, volunteer, spectator or supporter.

However, this year, we know we didn’t deliver on our promise to make it a great day for everyone. We met two groups last night, who are proudly supported by the BAA in their running activities, their members and their mission – Pioneers Run Crew and TrailblazHers Run Co. – two of Boston’s premier clubs for runners BIPOC.They expressed to us their deepest concerns that they did not get a chance to enjoy the day and celebrate with their friends, family, and all participants as they approached Heartbreak Hill – this is on us. It’s our job, and we need to do better to create an environment that welcomes and supports the BIPOC communities in the marathon.

“We appreciate and count on the support and services from the eight cities and towns that make up the Boston Marathon course. We could not have done it without the first responders and law enforcement agencies across the 26.2 miles that is essential in an event of this scale. We ask for everyone’s support as we move forward to improve the event for generations to come.”