Boston Marathon to Pay Runners

BOSTON — Boston Marathon officials broke tradition today and said they will pay expenses for top runners in next month’s 89th running of the race.

Marathon administrator Guy Morse said the race committee of the Boston Athletic Assn. will pay for hotel accommodations for 20 of the top runners, defined by the committee as “elite marathoners.” The Boston Marathon, the oldest major race of its kind in the world, has traditionally refused to offer prize, expense or appearance money.