Boston Athletic Association and Principal sponsor John Hancock announce record prize purse for 112th Boston Marathon

Boston, Mass. The Boston Athletic Association announced today that the prize purse for the 112th Boston Marathon has been increased by more than 38%, climbing from $575,000 to $796,000. The purse, funded by principal sponsor John Hancock Financial, will be the largest in the history of the race. The world's oldest annual marathon first began offering prize money in 1986 when John Hancock became the race's primary sponsor.

"For more than 20 years, John Hancock has partnered with the B.A.A. to ensure that the Boston Marathon holds its status as one of the elite marathons in the world," said Guy Morse, B.A.A. Executive Director. "With more than $11 million in prize money awarded since 1986, John Hancock's commitment to the Boston Marathon and the sport has been unwavering."

Prize money is awarded to the top open division finishers, as well as the top masters and push-rim wheelchair division finishers. Under the new prize structure, money has been added to the top five overall finishers in each class.

The men's and women's open division victor will each receive $150,000, a record level for guaranteed prize money among individual race winners from the World Marathon Majors events, which besides Boston includes the Flora London Marathon; Bank of America Chicago Marathon; BMW Berlin Marathon; and the ING New York City Marathon.

"John Hancock is proud of its long history of supporting the Boston Marathon, ensuring that it remains one of the world's premier road races," said John D. DesPrez III, President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial. �"As we celebrate our 23rd year of fulfilling our promise to the city of Boston and surrounding communities to support this great race, we have also made a commitment to attract and reward the top runners in the world that participate in this global event."

2008BostonMarathon®