GILLETTE STADIUM TO HOST ITS FIRST 26.2-MILE MARATHON CIRCLING THE GAME FIELD THIS FALL
THE PATRIOT LEDGER
On Friday, Sept. 28, 100 runners will run 26.2 miles around the home turf of the New England Patriots to raise money for homeless shelters throughout the region. Participants will run more than 100 laps on the warning track surrounding the turf. The course is USA Track & Field (USATF) certified and the only Boston Marathon qualifier run entirely in an NFL stadium.
During the event, runners will be treated to live performances and music, appearances by Patriots alumni and cheerleaders, and other entertainment throughout the evening. Spectators will be able to cheer on runners from the Optum Field Lounge, an indoor and outdoor hospitality space located on field level in the south end zone. The Optum Field Lounge will also serve as the water stop for the race.
The race will begin at 5 p.m., giving runners a “Friday night lights” experience at Gillette Stadium. Two days later, the New England Patriots will take the same field vs. the Miami Dolphins for a Week 4 tilt on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our first marathon inside Gillette Stadium,” said Josh Kraft, president of the New England Patriots Foundation. “This is a really unique opportunity for participants to run a USATF-certified course that covers 26.2 miles entirely inside the home of the Patriots and the Revolution and will help us to raise critical funds for the New England Patriots Foundation to benefit homeless shelter programs throughout the region.”
Spots for the 2018 Gillette Stadium Marathon are limited. Runner selections will be made until all spots are filled and accepted participants will be notified on a rolling basis. Participants will be required to raise a minimum of $5,000. The marathon application can be accessed at: https://www.gillettestadium.com/2018-gillette-stadium-marathon-application/.
Gillette Stadium has been home to the five-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution since 2002. The stadium has also hosted the NHL Winter Classic, the nation’s biggest concerts, five NCAA lacrosse national championships, international soccer tournaments, the MIAA High School State Football Championships, UMass football games, 5K and 10K road races and many other world-class events.
The race will be managed with support from Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises (DMSE), which also supports the Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50 road races each July at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium. The ninth annual Finish at the 50 races, which finish at midfield inside Gillette Stadium, will be held on Tuesday, July 3. To register for the Finish at the 50 Kids Run, 5K or 10K, visit https://www.finishatthe50.com/.
If runners have questions or would like additional information regarding the Gillette Stadium Marathon, they can reach out to charitableevents@patriots.com.