Results for "**World records**"
Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1776319444
** The **Boston Marathon**, one of the world's most prestigious long-distance running events, is a challenging 42.195-kilometer road race held annually in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ## Overview The **Boston Marathon** is a premier event in the world of athletics, attracting top runners from around the globe. The marathon is part of the BAA (Boston Athletic Association) and is the third of six World Marathon Majors. The event has a rich history, dating back to 1897, and has been a benchmark for runners to measure their endurance and speed. The course starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston, with a grueling climb up Heartbreak Hill, a notorious section of the course that has claimed many runners' dreams. The **Boston Marathon** is known for its challenging course, which includes a mix of flat sections, hills, and a grueling climb up Heartbreak Hill. The event is also famous for its strict qualifying times, which require runners to meet specific standards to participate. The marathon has a reputation for being one of the most competitive and prestigious events in the world, with many world records and Olympic champions having competed here. ## History/Background The **Boston Marathon** was first held on April 19, 1897, and was organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). The inaugural event was won by John J. McDermott, who completed the course in 2:55:10. The marathon was initially intended to be a way to promote physical fitness and to raise funds for the BAA. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, and it has become one of the most iconic and respected marathons in the world. In the early years, the **Boston Marathon** was not without controversy. In 1966, the event was the site of the first women's marathon, which was won by Bobbi Gibb, a 23-year-old American runner. However, Gibb's victory was not officially recognized by the BAA, and it was not until 1972 that women were officially allowed to participate in the marathon. ## Key Information * **Course**: The **Boston Marathon** course is 42.195 kilometers long and starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston. * **Qualifying Times**: Runners must meet strict qualifying times to participate in the marathon. * **World Records**: The **Boston Marathon** has been the site of many world records, including the men's and women's records. * **Notable Winners**: The marathon has been won by many notable runners, including Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit, and Haile Gebrselassie. * **Heartbreak Hill**: The **Boston Marathon** course includes a grueling climb up Heartbreak Hill, a notorious section of the course that has claimed many runners' dreams. ## Significance The **Boston Marathon** is significant for many reasons. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive events in the world, attracting top runners from around the globe. The event has a rich history, dating back to 1897, and has been a benchmark for runners to measure their endurance and speed. The marathon has also been the site of many world records and Olympic champions, and it continues to be a major event in the world of athletics. INFOBOX: - **Name**: Boston Marathon - **Type**: Road running event - **Date**: April 19, 1897 - **Location**: Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For**: One of the most prestigious and competitive marathons in the world TAGS: **Marathon**, **Road running**, **Boston**, **Massachusetts**, **USA**, **World records**, **Olympic champions**, **Athletics**, **Endurance**, **Speed**
SportsSports Encyclopedia Entry 1778687525
** 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**