The Boston Marathon has always been a melting pot of international talent, and this year’s event is no exception.
As the 129th Boston Marathon approaches on Monday morning, the race has not been impacted by the ongoing visa challenges affecting citizens from over 40 countries, half of which are located in Africa.
Mary Kate Shea, the senior director of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), reported that all invited foreign runners have secured their visas without any major issues this year.
“Everybody got their visas this year,” Shea expressed, indicating a smooth process for the elite group of participants representing 18 different countries.
While most runners hailing from Europe and Japan benefit from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Visa Waiver Program, the African contenders from nations such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Eritrea require specific P-1 visas designated for international athletes and their support teams.
The BAA, which is responsible for organizing travel and accommodations for these top athletes, makes it clear that no arrangements will be made without the appropriate visa in hand.
“It’s beholden on the athlete to have that visa in hand,” Shea stated. “It doesn’t make sense to bring someone over who can’t get into the country.”
Many of the elite runners who regularly compete in the U.S., which hosts three World Marathon Majors, already possess visas valid for up to five years.
Athletes like Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who aims for a third consecutive Boston crown, alongside fellow competitors Edna Kiplagat and Sharon Lokedi, often train in the States and have managed to secure their visas in time.
For those who do not have an existing visa, such as the newcomers, the application process can be lengthy, taking several weeks and costing over $1,000.
Shea noted that athletes are proactive in starting their visa applications as soon as they receive their invitations, which typically occurs from August to November.
“They will try to go for the longest amount of time for that visa,” Shea continued. “The time factor is inherent. It’s something they always come to expect.”
Part of the visa application includes a letter from the BAA, detailing vital information such as passport details, travel dates, and accommodation specifics, which is essential for the embassies processing these requests.
However, not all athletes experience a smooth entry into the United States.
In the past, notable Kenyan runners have faced last-minute issues; for instance, Geoffrey Mutai received his visa just in time to set an unofficial world record in 2011, while Rita Jeptoo encountered similar delays when she won in 2006.
There are times when the exact reasons for the delays remain unclear, as Shea mentioned: “We actually don’t know where the issue is. It could be in filing the application, the application process, or the embassy wait list. There are so many variables that it’s hard for us to say.”
Global events, like the pandemic, also impact the visa issuance process significantly.
“COVID put in a curveball for a lot of countries because the embassies were overburdened,” Shea commented, referring to the logistical hurdles caused by delayed timelines and congestion in processing applications.
When delays arise, the BAA sometimes seeks assistance from Massachusetts senators to expedite the visa process.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/17/sports/boston-marathon-visas/
