Communities Scrutinizing Free Boston Bib Process

They are also asking the Boston Athletic Association for more money.

Since the mid-1970s, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) has given out free Boston Marathon bibs to communities that line the race’s historic course. According to an article on The Boston Globe’s Web site, these bibs are usually given to people or organizations who pledge to raise money for charity.

In addition to these free bibs, the BAA also provides cash contributions to these communities to help offset the costs of hosting the race.

In the current economic climate, communites are taking a hard look at both the amount of money received from the BAA as well as the process for handing out the bibs.

For example, this year Natick Township sought an increase to their contribution. The BAA agreed, upping it from $32,000 to $35,000. And instead of giving the free bibs directly to police and fire departments, town administrators are requesting the bibs be given to them for dissemenation.

“Initially we were looking to up their cash contribution, then we started to explore other ways our communities could better benefit,” said Natick’s town administrator, Martha White. “We came up with the idea of getting invitational entries to town administrators.”

For More: The Boston Globe