Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1778687525
SUMMARY: The Boston Marathon is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathons, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, since 1897.
Overview
The Boston Marathon is a premier long-distance running event that takes place on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April every year. This iconic marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors series and is considered one of the six World Marathon Majors. The event has a rich history, dating back to 1897, when it was first organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). The Boston Marathon is a 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) course that starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Boston.
The Boston Marathon has become synonymous with athletic excellence, attracting top runners from around the world. The event has been a platform for numerous world records, including the women's world record, set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019 with a time of 2:14:04. The men's world record, set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2018, stands at 2:01:39. The Boston Marathon has also been a launching pad for many runners' careers, with notable winners like Bill Rodgers, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, and Desiree Linden.
History/Background
The Boston Marathon was first organized in 1897 by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) to commemorate the anniversary of the first American victory in the Boston Massacre. The event was initially called the Boston Marathon, but it was later renamed the Boston Marathon in 1898. The first women's division was introduced in 1972, with Nina Kuscsik becoming the first female winner. The Boston Marathon has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of wheelchair racing in 1975 and the handcycle division in 2006.
Key Information
- Course: The Boston Marathon course starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Distance: The course is 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) long.
- Elevation gain: The course has a total elevation gain of 305 meters (1,001 feet).
- Weather: The average temperature on Patriots' Day is around 12°C (54°F).
- Finishers: Over 30,000 runners finish the Boston Marathon every year.
- World records: The women's world record is held by Brigid Kosgei (2:14:04), and the men's world record is held by Eliud Kipchoge (2:01:39).
- Notable winners: Notable winners include Bill Rodgers, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, and Desiree Linden.
Significance
The Boston Marathon is significant for several reasons:
- Athletic excellence: The Boston Marathon is a premier event that attracts top runners from around the world.
- History: The event has a rich history, dating back to 1897.
- World records: The Boston Marathon has been a platform for numerous world records.
- Inspiration: The Boston Marathon has inspired countless runners to take up the sport.
- Community: The event has a strong community of runners, volunteers, and spectators.
INFOBOX:
- Name: Boston Marathon
- Type: Marathon
- Date: Third Monday in April
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Known For: World's oldest annual marathon
TAGS: Marathon, Long-distance running, Boston Athletic Association, World Marathon Majors, Athletic excellence, History, World records, Inspiration, Community
