TrailblazHers, a Black-led running group, has filed a lawsuit against the organizers of the Boston Marathon, as well as the city of Newton, Massachusetts, and the Newton police chief. The lawsuit alleges racial discrimination that occurred in a cheer zone at last year’s race, where police singled out spectators from TrailblazHers and other running groups primarily serving people of color. The group had organized a specific cheer zone at Mile 21, where over a hundred spectators, mostly people of color, were gathered to celebrate runners of color.
The lawsuit details specific acts of discrimination, including police forming a human barricade to separate spectators of color from the event while allowing White spectators to interact freely with runners. The complaint includes photos showing the barricade created by police officers and their bikes. The lawsuit also mentions police stationed on motorcycles surrounding the people in the cheer zone of color. Newton police had responded to the incident last year by stating they were ensuring the safety of both runners and spectators by using bicycles to demarcate the course and prevent interference with the runners.
TrailblazHers had engaged in meetings with the Boston Athletic Association and city officials following the incident, but no meaningful reforms were enacted to prevent racial profiling and harassment in the future. The group is represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights, a legal group working to fight discrimination. The organization framed police harassment at the marathon as part of a larger issue of racism in running, referencing the 2020 killing of Black runner Ahmaud Arbery. The aim of TrailblazHers is to increase diversity in Boston’s predominantly white and elite running community.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory, punitive, and nominal damages, as well as a jury trial. TrailblazHers is prepared to seek immediate court intervention if similar discriminatory conduct occurs again during this year’s marathon. The Boston Athletic Association, the organizers of the race, have stated they are aware of the complaint but have not yet reviewed it. The group is focused on creating a joyous experience for all participants. Newton Police Chief John Carmichael has defended the actions of the police officers involved in last year’s incident, stating that they acted appropriately and respectfully.
The Boston Marathon, which attracts thousands of participants and spectators, dates back to 1897 and is a celebrated event. TrailblazHers, with over 2,500 BIPOC runners in its membership, aims to promote diversity in the running community. The group’s lawsuit against the marathon organizers and Newton officials highlights the ongoing issue of racial discrimination in sports and beyond. Lawyers for Civil Rights, representing TrailblazHers, are committed to fighting against racism and seeking justice for the group and its members.
