Registration Opens for Boston Athletic Association’s First ‘Youth Mile’

Kids, get ready to lace up your sneakers. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced it will host its first "Youth Mile" for children ages 7 to 14 on Saturday, April 18, the weekend before the Boston Marathon.

A News 9 WMUR report noted that the free event will allow youth participants of all abilities to experience the excitement of racing down Boylston Street and crossing the finish line.

According to the B.A.A. website, the Youth Mile route will run counterclockwise entirely on Boylston Street. Starting at Dartmouth Street, youth athletes will run east to Berkeley Street, turn around, and run west to Hereford Street. Once they reach Hereford Street, athletes will make the final turnaround and head down the most famous stretch of the road toward the Boston Marathon finish line. All participants will get to run over the same finish line as Boston Marathon champions will on Monday, April 20, and receive their own unicorn medal.

Parents and guardians will be encouraged to watch the event from the bleachers and grandstands in front of the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street or along the course from the sidewalk.

General registration for the Youth Mile is open now.

Here's a look at the check-in times and race start times for participants in the following age groups, according to the B.A.A. website: