B.A.A. Executive Director Guy L. Morse, III named to the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) Board

The election took place on the occasion of the 18th World Congress of AIMS staged in late October in Athens, Greece to mark the 2500th year (490BC) since the legendary Greek Soldier Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persian army had been defeated. He arrived in Athens and announced ‘Neuikamen’ (we are victorious), he then collapsed from exhaustion and died.

Morse has overseen the administration, day-to-day business and strategies of the B.A.A. since 1985 (see complete bio below).  The B.A.A. is best known for its legendary Boston Marathon, but it also conducts a year-round calendar of success events. As executive director, Morse leads all of these efforts, working in close collaboration with the B.A.A.’s own Board and its Directors.  “AIMS serves to unite events from many of the world’s largest to smaller, important races throughout the world,” said Morse.  “It will be a pleasure to serve an organization which positively impacts the lives of so many worldwide through running.”

The new AIMS President, Borao, has been Membership Director of AIMS since he was elected to this position at the 10th World Congress of AIMS in Barcelona in 1996. During this period, AIMS has seen membership grow from 100 members to 303 (growth of over 200%). Borao is the first, new, AIMS President in 20 years, and he succeeds Hiroaki Chosa of Japan who retired at the Athens congress. Paco Borao, a former executive at IBM in Spain, USA and France commented: “I am humbled to be elected to the position of world President of AIMS; it is a great honor. As well as an honor, it is also a great responsibility which I am pleased to commit towards to work hard to develop and promote the sport of distance running around the world. I look forward to building upon the excellent work of Mr. Chosa who has served AIMS, its members and the sport of distance running with great distinction.”

Martha Morales of the Tangamanga Marathon, Mexico has been elected Vice President. The other new directors elected to the AIMS Board include: Keisuke Sawaki of Yokohama Marathon (Japan), and Fernando Jamarne of the Santiago Marathon (Chile). Al Boka of the Las Vegas Marathon (USA) was re-elected as Treasurer.

The theme of the Fourth AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium held in conjunction with the AIMS Congress was “Environment and Marathon Movement,” and focused on how sport can become more friendly to the environment and promote this ethos to runners around the world.  Morse was one of the main presenters and spoke to the attendees on “Events, Activities and Tips for a Green Marathon,” using examples primarily from practices at the Boston Marathon.

Guy L. Morse, III Biography

The direction of the Boston Athletic Association, the Boston Marathon, B.A.A. Half Marathon, and year-round B.A.A. events, falls under the charge of Guy Morse.

As the first Executive Director of the B.A.A. and its premier event–the Boston Marathon–Morse is responsible for maintaining the tradition and prestige of the world’s oldest annual marathon, while assuring that the race is financially and organizationally foremost among major international sporting events.

Morse has played an integral role in enabling the Boston Marathon to regain its stature as the world’s foremost running event. With the B.A.A. Board of Governors, Morse engineered a long-term major commitment with John Hancock Financial Services, an agreement unprecedented in the world of sponsorship. The complete, overall long-term support from John Hancock for the Boston Marathon was considered a pioneer sponsorship when it went into effect in 1986, and it remains unique to the sport.

In January 2006, Morse announced, along with representatives from the Flora London, real,-Berlin, Bank of America Chicago, and ING New York City Marathons, the formation of the World Marathon Majors, an association and competition designed to elevate the sport of marathoning. In 2008, under Morse’s leadership, the B.A.A. hosted the U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Women’s Marathon.

Now, beginning his 27th year with the B.A.A., Morse works closely with the cities and towns along the course, and has overseen the development of a network of staff and supporters that provides participants with a first-class experience in Boston. He also developed a flourishing year-round community-outreach program for youth, and was instrumental in developing the B.A.A.’s official charity program, which has raised over $100 million since 1994.

In February 2006, Morse was inducted into Running USA’s Hall of Champions in recognition of his dedication, innovations, and years of service to the sport and industry. Morse was also the 2006 recipient of the Will Cloney Award.

A native of Marlborough, MA, Morse is a 1974 graduate of Northeastern University. He resides in Centerville, MA, with his wife, Nancy. They have four children: Jillian, Katie, Elizabeth, and Daniel.

Source: BAA