Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon
Name	Boston Marathon
Date	Patriots' Day
Location	Greater Boston
Event type	Road running
Distance	Marathon
Established	1897
Sponsor	Bank of America

Boston Marathon. It is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious road racing events. Held annually on Patriots' Day, the race attracts top international elite athletes and thousands of qualified runners from around the globe. The event is organized by the Boston Athletic Association and is a key part of the World Marathon Majors series.

History

The inaugural race was inspired by the success of the marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. Established in 1897 by members of the Boston Athletic Association, it was originally a local event. The race has been held continuously since its founding, making it the oldest annually contested marathon, with exceptions made during wartime such as in 1918 when a military relay was held. Key figures in its early history include organizer John J. McDermott and multiple-time winner Clarence DeMar. The marathon gained significant international stature following the victory of John A. Kelley and later with the emergence of champions like Bill Rodgers.

Course and route

The point-to-point course begins in the town of Hopkinton and finishes near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. Runners pass through several New England towns including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley, famously cheered by students at Wellesley College. The route then enters Newton, featuring the challenging series of hills known as Heartbreak Hill, before a final descent into Boston. The finish line has been located on Boylston Street for many decades, adjacent to landmarks like the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.

Qualification and entry

Gaining a bib is based on meeting strict time standards relative to a runner's age and gender, a system formalized in 1970. These qualifying times must be achieved at certified marathon courses like the Chicago Marathon or Berlin Marathon within a specified period prior to race day. The process is managed by the Boston Athletic Association, and due to high demand, even achieving a qualifying time does not guarantee entry, leading to a rolling registration system. Some participants gain entry through charity programs supporting organizations like the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

Notable winners and records

The event has seen legendary champions including Clarence DeMar with seven open division victories and Catherine Ndereba with four women's titles. Other iconic winners are Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Uta Pippig, and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot. The current course records are held by Geoffrey Mutai and Worknesh Degefa. The race also features a competitive wheelchair racing division, with pioneers like Ernst van Dyk and Tatyana McFadden achieving multiple victories. Historic performances include John A. Kelley's two wins and Rosa Mota's trio of triumphs.

Traditions and cultural impact

The race is held on the state holiday of Patriots' Day, creating a festive atmosphere across Massachusetts. A ceremonial first wave of veterans and active-duty military often starts the event. The scream tunnel at Wellesley College is a famed mid-race tradition. The iconic Unicorn symbol of the Boston Athletic Association adorns the winner's medal and merchandise. The marathon has been featured in numerous films, publications, and media, solidifying its status in American culture. Post-race, runners are celebrated with the signature heat sheet and a laurel wreath ceremony for champions.

Incidents and controversies

The most tragic incident was the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, a terrorist attack near the finish line on Boylston Street that killed three people and injured hundreds. The event was also marred by the 1980 disqualification of Rosie Ruiz for cheating. In 2011, Geoffrey Mutai's record-setting time was not ratified as a world record by World Athletics due to the course's point-to-point layout and net elevation loss. Weather has often posed challenges, including the extreme heat during the 1976 race and the cold, windy conditions of the 2018 event. Doping violations have also led to the disqualification of some athletes over the years.

Category:Sports in Boston Category:Marathons in the United States Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1897