Results for "**charity**"
Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1777441697
** The **Boston Marathon** is the world's oldest annual marathon, held annually in Boston, Massachusetts, since 1897, attracting top athletes from around the globe. ## Overview The **Boston Marathon**, one of the most prestigious and iconic long-distance running events in the world, has been a benchmark for athletes seeking to test their endurance and speed since its inception in 1897. This 26.2-mile (42.2 km) road race is held annually on Patriots' Day in Boston, Massachusetts, typically in early April. The event is steeped in history and tradition, with a course that takes runners through the city's scenic neighborhoods and along the Charles River. The Boston Marathon is a qualifying event for the **Olympics**, and its winners are often considered among the best in the world. The Boston Marathon has a unique and storied history, with the first women's division introduced in 1972, after a long-standing ban on female participation. The event has been won by some of the greatest distance runners in history, including **Paula Radcliffe**, **Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot**, and **Desi Linden**. The Boston Marathon is also famous for its **Heartbreak Hill**, a grueling incline that has become an iconic part of the course. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon was founded in 1897 by **John J. McDermott**, a member of the **Boston Athletic Association (BAA)**, which still organizes the event today. The first marathon was inspired by the **Ancient Olympic Games**, where long-distance running was a popular event. The Boston Marathon was initially intended to promote physical fitness and athletic competition in the city. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, attracting top athletes from around the world. In 1966, the Boston Marathon became the first marathon to be televised, and since then, it has been broadcast globally, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. The event has also been the subject of several notable books, films, and documentaries, including the 1983 film **"The Boston Marathon"**, which chronicled the 1983 event. ## Key Information * **Course**: The Boston Marathon course starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston. * **Distance**: 26.2 miles (42.2 km) * **Elevation gain**: 427 feet (130 meters) * **Finishers**: Over 30,000 runners finish the Boston Marathon each year. * **Winners**: The men's and women's winners receive a prize of $150,000 each. * **Qualifying times**: Runners must meet strict qualifying times to participate in the Boston Marathon. * **Heartbreak Hill**: A 0.4-mile (640 meters) incline that is considered one of the toughest parts of the course. ## Significance The Boston Marathon is significant for several reasons: * **Athletic achievement**: The Boston Marathon is a test of endurance and speed, and winning the event is considered one of the greatest achievements in distance running. * **History and tradition**: The Boston Marathon has a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1897. * **Global participation**: The Boston Marathon attracts top athletes from around the world, making it one of the most international sporting events in the world. * **Charitable impact**: The Boston Marathon has raised millions of dollars for charity over the years, with many runners participating to raise money for their favorite causes. INFOBOX: - **Name**: Boston Marathon - **Type**: Road running event - **Date**: Patriots' Day (first Monday in April) - **Location**: Boston, Massachusetts - **Known For**: World's oldest annual marathon TAGS: **Boston Marathon**, **marathon**, **running**, **athletics**, **history**, **tradition**, **distance running**, **olympics**, **charity**
SportsSports Encyclopedia Entry 1783211311
** The **Boston Marathon**, one of the world's most prestigious long-distance running events, is a 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. First held in 1897, it is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors. The event is organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious marathons due to its hilly course, unpredictable weather conditions, and competitive field. The Boston Marathon is a symbol of perseverance and determination, pushing athletes to their limits and beyond. The Boston Marathon has a rich history, with its first winner, John J. McDermott, completing the course in 2:55:10. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, attracting world-class athletes and spectators alike. The marathon has been a platform for many historic moments, including the first women's marathon in 1972, won by Nina Kuscsik, and the first wheelchair marathon in 1975, won by Bob Hall. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon has its roots in the early 20th century, when the BAA was founded in 1887. The first marathon was inspired by the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, where the marathon was introduced as a way to commemorate the ancient Olympic Games. The Boston Marathon was initially intended to be a 24.8-kilometer run from Ashland to Boston, but it was later extended to the current 42.195-kilometer distance. The Boston Marathon has been held annually since 1897, with the exception of 1918, when it was canceled due to World War I. The event has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of women's and wheelchair divisions. In 1972, the first women's marathon was held, with Nina Kuscsik becoming the first female winner. The wheelchair division was introduced in 1975, with Bob Hall becoming the first wheelchair winner. ## Key Information * **Course:** The Boston Marathon course is a 42.195-kilometer road race that starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and ends in Copley Square, Boston. * **Elevation:** The course features a total elevation gain of 1,500 feet, with several hills and inclines. * **Weather:** The Boston Marathon is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 80°F (4°C to 27°C). * **Records:** The men's record is held by Geoffrey Mutai, who completed the course in 2:03:02 in 2011. The women's 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 four consecutive titles from 1975 to 1978, and Joan Benoit, who won the first women's marathon in 1972. ## Significance The Boston Marathon is a significant event in the world of athletics, attracting top runners from around the globe. The event has been a platform for many historic moments, including the first women's marathon and the first wheelchair marathon. The Boston Marathon is also a symbol of perseverance and determination, pushing athletes to their limits and beyond. The Boston Marathon has a significant impact on the local community, with thousands of spectators lining the course each year. The event also raises millions of dollars for charity, with many runners participating in the marathon to raise funds for various causes. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Road marathon - **Date:** Third Monday in April - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For:** Oldest annual marathon and one of the six World Marathon Majors TAGS: **Boston Marathon**, **marathon**, **running**, **athletics**, **sports**, **history**, **records**, **notable winners**, **charity**