Skip to Content

Boston Marathon to give bib number 321 to neurodivergent athlete each year

By Lisa Hughes

Click here for updates on this story

    BOSTON (WBZ) — March 21, or 3-21, is the date for World Down Syndrome Day. It’s also the number that signifies the chromosome that causes Down syndrome.

Now, it’s the Boston Marathon bib number that will always be held for a neurodivergent athlete.

This year, the runner wearing bib 321 is Chris Nikic, who ran his first Boston Marathon back in October.

He’s also the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathalon.

And now, Chris is the first Adidas-sponsored athlete with Down syndrome.

He and his dad Nik told WBZ-TV they’re hoping every marathon will follow Boston’s lead and dedicate bib 321 to a neurodivergent athlete.

“When I see what Adidas has done for him and I see what the Boston Marathon is doing for him, they’re really not doing it for him per se, they’re doing it for all those other parents and giving them hope,” Nik said.

“He’s absolutely right. This is not about me. it’s about everyone that needs to be included,” Chris told WBZ about his message. “Because if Chris Nikic does the Boston Marathon, I can do it too!”

Chris has set an impressive goal to shave more than an hour off his Boston Marathon time next month and run the race in less than 5 hours.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content