Results for "Boston Marathon bombing"
Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1783077006
** The **Boston Marathon** is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious long-distance road running events, 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. With a rich history dating back to 1897, the Boston Marathon has become synonymous with excellence and perseverance. The event is part of the World Marathon Majors and is one of the six World Marathon Majors that award a separate world ranking. The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which includes a grueling uphill climb on Heartbreak Hill, a notorious section of the course that has been the downfall of many runners. The Boston Marathon is also famous for its unique qualifying system, which requires runners to meet strict time standards to gain entry. This system has led to some of the most competitive fields in the world, with many runners vying for a spot among the top finishers. The event has a long history of attracting top talent, including Olympic champions, world record holders, and other elite athletes. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon was first held on April 19, 1897, and was organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). The event was inspired by the success of the Boston Marathon's predecessor, the Boston-Falmouth Road Race, which was held in 1896. The first Boston Marathon was won by John J. McDermott, an American athlete who completed the course in 2:55:10. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity and has become one of the most iconic and respected marathons in the world. The Boston Marathon has a long history of innovation and experimentation. In the early years, the event was held on a variety of courses, including a course that started in Ashland, Massachusetts, and finished in Boston. In 1924, the course was changed to its current configuration, which starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Boston. The event has also been affected by World War I and World War II, with the 1918 and 1945 marathons being cancelled due to the wars. ## Key Information * **Distance:** 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) * **Course:** The course starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Boston, Massachusetts * **Elevation gain:** 305 meters (1,001 feet) * **Fastest time:** 2:01:39, set by Geoffrey Mutai in 2011 * **Women's record:** 2:19:59, set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019 * **Oldest winner:** Robert Kiplagat, who won the 1980 Boston Marathon at the age of 41 * **Youngest winner:** Bobbi Gibb, who won the 1966 Boston Marathon at the age of 23 ## Significance The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious events in the world of athletics, and its significance extends beyond the sport itself. The event has a long history of attracting top talent and has been a launching pad for many careers. The Boston Marathon has also been a platform for social change, with many runners using the event to raise awareness and funds for various causes. The Boston Marathon has also been affected by several notable events, including the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injured hundreds more. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since returned to its traditional schedule. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Marathon - **Date:** First Monday in April - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For:** Oldest annual marathon in the world TAGS: Boston Marathon, marathon, road running, athletics, World Marathon Majors, Boston Athletic Association, John J. McDermott, Geoffrey Mutai, Brigid Kosgei, Robert Kiplagat, Bobbi Gibb, Boston Marathon bombing, COVID-19 pandemic.
SportsSports Encyclopedia Entry 1782565350
** 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. The marathon is part of the **BAA** (Boston Athletic Association) and is the world's oldest annual marathon, with the first event taking place on April 19, 1897. The Boston Marathon is a qualifying event for the **Olympic Games**, and its course is known for its challenging hills and unpredictable weather conditions. The event has a rich history, with many notable athletes having competed and won the marathon over the years. The Boston Marathon is a significant event in American sports culture, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide. The event is also a major fundraiser for local charities, with many runners raising money for various causes. The Boston Marathon is a symbol of perseverance and determination, with runners pushing themselves to their limits to complete the grueling course. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon was founded by **John J. McDermott**, a Irish-American athlete who wanted to create a challenging event that would test the endurance of runners. The first marathon was held on April 19, 1897, and was won by **John J. McDermott** in a time of 2:55:10. The event was initially met with skepticism, but it quickly gained popularity and became an annual fixture in the Boston sports calendar. Over the years, the Boston Marathon has undergone several changes, including the introduction of women's competition in 1972. The event has also become more inclusive, with the introduction of wheelchair and handcycle divisions in the 1970s. The Boston Marathon has been affected by several notable events, 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 a 42.195-kilometer road route that starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston. - **Qualifying times:** Runners must meet strict qualifying times to participate in the Boston Marathon, with the fastest times required for the earliest entry slots. - **Notable winners:** Some notable winners of the Boston Marathon include **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot** (2006), **Liliya Shobukhova** (2010), and **Lelisa Desisa** (2013). - **Boston Marathon bombing:** The Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 resulted in the deaths of three people and injured hundreds more. - **Wheelchair and handcycle divisions:** The Boston Marathon introduced wheelchair and handcycle divisions in the 1970s, making the event more inclusive. ## Significance The Boston Marathon is a significant event in the world of athletics, attracting top runners from around the globe. The event is a symbol of perseverance and determination, with runners pushing themselves to their limits to complete the grueling course. The Boston Marathon has a rich history, with many notable athletes having competed and won the marathon over the years. The Boston Marathon is also a major fundraiser for local charities, with many runners raising money for various causes. The event is a significant contributor to the local economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide. The Boston Marathon is a premier event in American sports culture, and its legacy continues to inspire runners and non-runners alike. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Road running event - **Date:** First Monday in April - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For:** World's oldest annual marathon TAGS: Boston Marathon, marathon, road running, athletics, Olympic Games, Boston Athletic Association, John J. McDermott, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, Liliya Shobukhova, Lelisa Desisa, Boston Marathon bombing, wheelchair division, handcycle division.