Published: Mar 13, 2024 10:33 AM EST Advertisement - Continue Reading Below (BAA) announced that four-time Super Bowl winner Rob Gronkowski will be the grand marshal for this year’s Boston Marathon.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below, David Ortiz, Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
In addition to being selected as grand marshal for the marathon, Gronkowski has also been awarded the 2024 Patriots’ Award, presented to a person or organization that is “patriotic, philanthropic, inspirational, and fosters goodwill and sportsmanship.” The Patriots’ Award connects the Boston Marathon to Patriots’ Day, the annual holiday when the race has occurred since 1897.
The former Patriots tight end has significantly impacted the New England area, not just on the field, but within the community as well. He founded the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, which helps inspire children to grow through sports, education, community, and fitness. The foundation is currently constructing a new playground along the Charles River Esplanade—a popular running site.
“Giving back has always been a priority in my life,” Gronkowski said in a statement. “When I first got to New England, Mr. [Robert] Kraft and the Patriots Foundation ingrained in the team the importance of giving back to the community that gives back to us. And this community has supported me throughout my entire career. Now it's time for me to give back to help set others up for their own journey, especially the youth. This is why the Gronk Playground project is close to my heart. My family and I are honored to be able to give kids an awesome new space to play in the city.”
As grand marshal, Gronkowski will lead the 26.2-mile course on April 15 in a 2024 Honda Prologue. He will bring the trophy to the finish line on Boylston Street before the elite runners arrive.
“Having him also serve as Grand Marshal on race day will bring a lot of added joy and excitement for the thousands of spectators who will be lining the streets from Hopkinton to Boston,” Nicole Juri of the BAA said in a statement.
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and DAA Industry Opt Out Kevin C. Cox TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
