**
Overview
The Boston Marathon is an annual long-distance road running event held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It is the world's oldest annual marathon, with the first event taking place on April 19, 1897. The Boston Marathon is a 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) road race that attracts thousands of runners from around the world, including elite athletes and recreational runners alike. The event is known for its challenging course, which features a mix of hills, curves, and straightaways, as well as its iconic finish line, located at the historic Copley Square.
The Boston Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, a group of six prestigious marathons that are considered the most competitive and prestigious in the world. The event is organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), a non-profit organization that has been responsible for the event since its inception. The BAA is committed to promoting the sport of distance running and providing a world-class experience for runners, spectators, and volunteers.
The Boston Marathon has a rich history and has been a part of American sports culture for over a century. It has been the site of numerous world records, including the men's and women's world records in the marathon. The event has also been the subject of several notable controversies, including the infamous 1980 Boston Marathon, in which Rosie Ruiz, a relatively unknown runner, was disqualified for cheating.
History/Background
The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, when a group of 15 runners competed in a 24.5-mile (39.4-kilometer) road race from Ashland to Boston. The event was organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), which was founded in 1887 by a group of local athletes and businessmen. The first Boston Marathon was won by John J. McDermott, an American runner who completed the course in 2:55:10.
Over the years, the Boston Marathon has grown in popularity and has become one of the most prestigious long-distance running events in the world. In 1924, the event was officially recognized as the world's oldest annual marathon by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). In 1966, the event was moved to its current course, which starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston.
Key Information
* Course: The Boston Marathon course is a 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) road course that starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston.
* Elevation: The course features a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet (365 meters) and a maximum elevation of 200 feet (61 meters) above sea level.
* Weather: The weather conditions on race day can vary greatly, with temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 80°F (27°C) and precipitation ranging from light drizzle to heavy rain.
* Records: The men's world record in the marathon is held by Eliud Kipchoge, who completed the course in 2:01:39 in 2018. The women's world record is held by Brigid Kosgei, who completed the course in 2:14:04 in 2019.
* Notable Winners: Some notable winners of the Boston Marathon include Bill Rodgers, who won the event four times between 1975 and 1980, and Joan Benoit, who won the women's event in 1980.
Significance
The Boston Marathon is one of the most significant long-distance running events in the world, attracting thousands of runners from around the globe. The event has been a part of American sports culture for over a century and has been the site of numerous world records and notable performances. The Boston Marathon has also been the subject of several notable controversies, including the infamous 1980 Boston Marathon, in which Rosie Ruiz, a relatively unknown runner, was disqualified for cheating.
The Boston Marathon has a significant impact on the local community, with thousands of volunteers, spectators, and runners contributing to the event each year. The event also generates significant revenue for the local economy, with estimates suggesting that the Boston Marathon generates over $100 million in economic activity each year.
