Boston Marathon

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Boston Marathon
Date	Third Monday of April (Patriots' Day)
Location	Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Event type	Road
Distance	Marathon
Primary sponsor	John Hancock Financial
Established	1897
Participants	30,000 (2020)

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon race hosted by several cities in greater Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. The event is one of six World Marathon Majors and is the oldest annual marathon in the world, having been held every year since 1897.

History

The Boston Marathon was inspired by the success of the first modern Olympic Games marathon in 1896. The inaugural race was held on April 19, 1897, and featured 15 participants. The race has grown significantly since its inception, now attracting over 30,000 registered participants each year.

Course

The marathon course runs from Hopkinton in southern Middlesex County to Copley Square in Boston. The course is known for its challenging terrain, including the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" near Newton.

Qualification

The Boston Marathon is notable for its stringent qualification standards. Runners must meet specific qualifying times, which vary by age and gender, in order to participate. These standards ensure a high level of competition and prestige associated with the event.

Notable Moments

• In 1966, Roberta Gibb became the first woman to run the entire Boston Marathon, though she was not officially recognized at the time.
• In 1972, women were officially allowed to compete in the marathon.
• The 2013 Boston Marathon was marred by a tragic bombing near the finish line, resulting in three deaths and hundreds of injuries. The event led to increased security measures in subsequent years.

Winners

The Boston Marathon has seen many notable winners over the years, including Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit, and Eliud Kipchoge. The race has also been a platform for many world records and personal bests.

Related Pages

• Marathon
• World Marathon Majors
• Patriots' Day
• Boston Marathon bombing
• John Hancock Financial

See Also

• List of winners of the Boston Marathon
• Running
• Athletics (sport)