John Hancock is ending its sponsorship of the Boston Marathon
John Hancock will end its sponsorship of the Boston Marathon following the 127th running of the 26.2-mile race in the spring.
Marianne Harrison, chief executive of the Boston-based life insurer, told employees on Wednesday that the company will not be renewing its contract with the Boston Athletic Association, citing a need to evolve.
“Our contract with the Boston Athletic Association is expiring in 2023, and after careful review, we have chosen not to renew our principal sponsorship of the Boston Marathon after next year’s race,” Harrison said in a letter. “Our business has changed so much over the nearly four decades of our sponsorship; we have grown in size and scale and are more globally aligned than ever before. As our organization evolves and we double down on opportunities to help customers live longer, healthier lives through our John Hancock Vitality program, our partnerships must also evolve.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the B.A.A. said, “John Hancock has served as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon for nearly four decades, helping to make the Boston Marathon the global and iconic race it is today...We continue to work hand in hand in advance of next April’s 127th Boston Marathon.”
Harrison delivered news of the change before Marathon registration opens next week.
The B.A.A. added, “We’re excited to find our next Boston Marathon principal sponsor, and look forward to partnering with an organization who shares our passion for athletic excellence, community engagement, and growing the Boston Marathon to new heights.”
Harrison noted that the company will remain committed to supporting a number of community initiatives like its MLK Scholars program.
Earlier this summer, John Hancock announced plans to end its longtime partnership with the Boston Red Sox.
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