Victory! Federal Court Rules in Favor of Black Running Group In Boston Marathon Racial Profiling Case
Racial Justice Case Allowed to Proceed Against City of Newton
A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that TrailblazHers Run Co. and its three founders may proceed with their civil rights case against the City of Newton—an important victory for racial justice arising from the 2023 Boston Marathon. The latest favorable ruling builds on an early triumph allowing similar claims to proceed against the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), the race organizer.
Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) is proud to represent TrailblazHers Run Co., a Black-led and female-led Boston running crew, in their claims of racial discrimination against the City of Newton and the BAA.
The discrimination lawsuit stems from events at the Marathon, when spectators of color gathered at TrailblazHers’ cheer zone were unjustly targeted by Newton Police Department (NPD) officers after a complaint from the BAA.
In its ruling, the Court highlighted that Newton’s former police chief publicly stated he “stand[s] by [his] decisions that day,” indicating that he played a direct role in the discriminatory conduct and exposing the City to liability under federal civil rights law.
“This ruling is an important step toward accountability,” said Mirian Albert, Senior Attorney at LCR. “The Court’s decision allows TrailblazHers to pursue justice against both the City of Newton and the BAA—both of whom engaged in egregious racial profiling at the Marathon,” added Albert.
“This decision allows us to move closer to ensuring that the Marathon is safe and welcoming for everyone,” said Oren Sellstrom, Litigation Director of LCR. “We look forward to continuing this fight for equity and transparency. Our clients deserve answers and accountability,” added Sellstrom.
LCR and our clients remain committed to ensuring that the Boston Marathon—a cherished regional tradition—and other large, public events reflect the values of equity, safety, and inclusion for everyone.
The case is TrailblazHers Run Co., et al. v. Boston Athletic Association et al., No. 1:24-cv-10950, ECF No. 70 (D. Mass. Dec. 5, 2025).
The ruling is available here.