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Sports 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.