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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1776662406

** The **Boston Marathon**, one of the oldest and most prestigious long-distance running events in the world, has been a benchmark for athletes and a symbol of human endurance since its inception in 1897. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The **Boston Marathon**, officially known as the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, is an annual marathon that takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. It is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and prestigious long-distance running events in the world. The marathon has a rich history, dating back to 1897, and has been a benchmark for athletes and a symbol of human endurance for over 125 years. The Boston Marathon is a 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) road race that starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes at Copley Square in Boston. The course is known for its challenging terrain, with a mix of flat and hilly sections, as well as a notorious "Heartbreak Hill" that has become a legendary part of the marathon's lore. The event has been won by some of the greatest distance runners of all time, including Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek, and Bill Rodgers. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon was first held on April 19, 1897, as part of the Boston Athletic Association's (B.A.A.) annual sports festival. The event was inspired by the success of the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and was designed to promote physical fitness and athletic competition in the United States. The first Boston Marathon was won by John J. McDermott, an American athlete who completed the course in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 10 seconds. Over the years, the Boston Marathon has become an iconic event, attracting top athletes from around the world. In 1966, the event was officially recognized as a World Athletics Championship event, and in 1986, it became one of the six World Marathon Majors. The marathon has also been the site of several notable records and achievements, including the women's world record of 2:14:04, set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003. ## Key Information * **Course Record:** 2:01:39 (men), 2:14:04 (women) * **Fastest Time:** 2:01:39 (men), 2:14:04 (women) * **Most Wins:** 8 (men), 7 (women) * **Oldest Winner:** 70 years and 229 days (men), 68 years and 23 days (women) * **Youngest Winner:** 19 years and 211 days (men), 18 years and 156 days (women) ## Significance The Boston Marathon is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious long-distance running events in the world, attracting top athletes from around the globe. Secondly, it has been the site of several notable records and achievements, including the women's world record of 2:14:04, set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003. Finally, the marathon has become an iconic event, symbolizing human endurance and the pursuit of excellence in athletics. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Marathon - **Date:** Third Monday of April - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts - **Known For:** Oldest and most prestigious long-distance running event in the world TAGS: **Boston Marathon**, **Marathon**, **Long-distance running**, **Athletics**, **Endurance**, **Human performance**, **Running**, **Sports history**