Each year, NEF is awarded one or two Boston Marathon bibs through the Town of Natick via the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). NEF opens its Boston Marathon runner application process in mid-October. Information about the opportunity is shared on NEF’s website and social media platforms (so make sure to give us a follow!), and the application window generally remains open for three to four weeks.

Applicants are asked to describe their interest in supporting NEF and to outline a proposed fundraising plan as part of the application. Runner selections are made by the NEF Board, which reviews and votes on all submitted applications. Applicants are notified by early December. Once selected, runner(s) must sign an agreement committing to raise a specified fundraising amount (which varies year to year) by a designated deadline.