Expanding the field: Point32Health joins Boston Athletic Association as a sponsor of medley races, including Boston Marathon

July 2023 | Partnerships & Community

Four days, five kilometers, 26.2 miles, 40,000 runners, and 70,000 Fan Fest and Expo attendees later, and the 2023 Boston Marathon is finally in the books. Throughout marathon weekend Point32Health, the official health benefits provider of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), was on display at a number of running and fan events held throughout the city. Through these unique and exciting opportunities, Point32Health was able to put our organization and our purpose – to guide and empower healthier lives for everyone – front and center  over the course of four days of festivities.

Boston Marathon Weekend Recap

Throughout Marathon weekend Point32Health hosted and participated in several events that offered innovative and interactive opportunities for us to build awareness of our organization and promote our health and wellbeing initiatives.

Fan Fest

Held near the famous Boston Marathon Finish line in Copley Square Park, Fan Fest was the place to soak in the race-week atmosphere and have fun leading up to race day. Throughout the weekend, tens of thousands of fans and athletes alike visited the Point32Health booth where they could play games, win prizes, and take home a commemorative memento to remember race weekend.

On the Friday of Fan Fest, Point32Health hosted a panel discussion titled Running’s Impact on Physical and Mental Health that highlighted the importance of running your own race and how running has an impact on both physical and mental health, and how the running community is tackling inclusivity and equity in the sport. Moderated by NESN play-by-play commentator and former Red Sox pitcher Lenny DiNardo, our group of panelists featured:

  • Point32Health spokesperson and longtime Harvard Pilgrim Health Care member Joan Benoit Samuelson, who is an elite marathoner, Olympic champion, and Boston Marathon winner,
  • Sidney Baptiste, founder of PIONEERS Run Crew Boston and PYNRS Performance Streetwear, and
  • Jeff Davis, founder of Black Men Run, Boston chapter.

The Expo

The Boston Marathon Expo was buzzing all weekend, as it was the central location for all things Marathon related including sponsor exhibitors, race merchandise, and other fun events. The Point32Health booth was a fan favorite, as it featured an interactive photo mosaic wall that was plastered with thousands of images that showcased the athletes and their inspiration for running.

The B.A.A. 5K, Presented by Point32Health

Point32Health served as the presenting  sponsor of the B.A.A. 5K on Saturday morning of Boston Marathon Weekend.. This race drew a sell-out field of 10,000 runners to Boston Common, where many decided to visit our 3.2 Recovery Tent. The recovery tent was a hit amongst the athletes as they were able to utilize the essentials for a post-race cooldown including kinesiology tape, theraguns, foam rollers and inflatable leg compression devices that promote recovery.

Cheer Zone

Finally on Marathon Monday, Point32Health hosted an official cheer zone on Heartbreak Hill. Here fans could make signs to cheer on their favorite runners at one of the most iconic spots along the race route.

Watch the video below to see the highlights from Boston Marathon Weekend 2023.