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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1777426689

** The **Boston Marathon**, one of the most prestigious long-distance running events in the world, is a 42.195-kilometer road race held annually in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ## Overview The **Boston Marathon**, also known as the **Boston Marathon** or **Boston**, is a premier **long-distance running** event that takes place every year on Patriots' Day in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the world's oldest annual marathon, with a rich history dating back to 1897. The event is organized by the **Boston Athletic Association (BAA)** and attracts top runners from around the globe. The course runs from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston, passing through eight cities and towns in Massachusetts. The **Boston Marathon** is a qualifying event for the **Olympic Games**, and it is considered one of the six **World Marathon Majors**. The **Boston Marathon** has a unique and challenging course, with a net elevation gain of 170 feet. The course features a series of hills, including the infamous "Heartbreak Hill," which is located about 2 miles from the finish line. The event is known for its fast and competitive times, with many world records set over the years. The **Boston Marathon** is also famous for its iconic finish line, which is located in Copley Square and features a large crowd of spectators cheering on the runners. ## History/Background The **Boston Marathon** was first held on April 19, 1897, as part of the **Boston Athletic Association's** (BAA) annual sports festival. The event was inspired by the success of the **London Marathon**, which was held in 1896. The first **Boston Marathon** was won by John J. McDermott, an American runner who completed the course in 2:55:10. The event was initially known as the **Boston Marathon** or **Boston**, but it was later renamed the **Boston Marathon** in 1898. Over the years, the **Boston Marathon** has become one of the most prestigious and competitive events in the world of long-distance running. It has been won by many legendary runners, including **Paula Radcliffe**, **Haile Gebrselassie**, and **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot**. The event has also been affected by several notable incidents, including the **Boston Marathon bombing** in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injured hundreds more. ## Key Information * **Course:** The **Boston Marathon** course is 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) long and runs from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts. * **Elevation gain:** The course features a net elevation gain of 170 feet. * **Finish line:** The finish line is located in Copley Square and features a large crowd of spectators cheering on the runners. * **Qualifying standards:** The **Boston Marathon** is a qualifying event for the **Olympic Games**, and runners must meet strict qualifying standards to participate. * **World records:** Many world records have been set at the **Boston Marathon**, including the women's record of 2:17:42, set by **Paula Radcliffe** in 2003. * **Notable winners:** The **Boston Marathon** has been won by many legendary runners, including **Paula Radcliffe**, **Haile Gebrselassie**, and **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot**. ## Significance The **Boston Marathon** is one of the most prestigious and competitive events in the world of long-distance running. It is a qualifying event for the **Olympic Games**, and it attracts top runners from around the globe. The event has a rich history and has been affected by several notable incidents, including the **Boston Marathon bombing** in 2013. The **Boston Marathon** is also a significant cultural event, with a large crowd of spectators cheering on the runners and a festive atmosphere in Copley Square. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Long-distance running event - **Date:** Patriots' Day (third Monday in April) - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For:** World's oldest annual marathon, qualifying event for the Olympic Games TAGS: **Boston Marathon**, **long-distance running**, **marathon**, **Olympic Games**, **World Marathon Majors**, **Boston Athletic Association**, **Patriots' Day**, **Copley Square**, **Heartbreak Hill**