The Boston Marathon will add two more para athlete divisions and boost prize money that will put the total Patriots’ Day purse above $1 million for the first time, organizers said Thursday. The Boston Athletic Association said its flagship race will welcome athletes classified with coordination impairments and intellectual impairments. Previous divisions for upper and lower limb impairment will be more inclusive, race organizers…
as the main sponsor, first prize for its men’s and women’s wheelchair winners will rise to $40,000 from $25,000, with a $50,000 bonus for a course record that is equal to the award in the men’s and women’s divisions. The checks for second through 10th places also will increase, bringing the total wheelchair divisions purse to $313,500.
Top para competitors said prize money for the divisions makes it possible for them to afford expensive racing equipment and travel to races. But it also provides potential para athletes with role models. “The legacy of the original 1970 wheelchair athletes has enabled myself and all other para-athletes of my generation to perceive ourselves and to be perceived publicly, as professional athletes. I cannot express how much this has meant for all of us,” defending Boston Marathon wheelchair winner and Paralympic gold medalist Susannah Scaroni said in a statement.
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