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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1777340224

** 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)**, a non-profit organization that has been hosting the event since 1897. The course, which starts in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and finishes in Copley Square, Boston, is renowned for its challenging terrain, including several hills and a grueling final stretch through the city streets. The Boston Marathon has a rich history, with the first women's division added in 1972, and the first wheelchair division in 1975. Today, the event is a major platform for athletes to showcase their endurance and speed, with many world records broken over the years. The marathon is also a significant cultural event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and attracting international media attention. ## History/Background The Boston Marathon was first held on April 19, 1897, as a way to boost local morale after the **Patriot's Day** celebration. The inaugural event 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 marathon has grown in popularity, with the first women's division added in 1972, won by Nina Kuscsik, and the first wheelchair division in 1975, won by Bob Hall. In 1966, the Boston Marathon became the first major marathon to be televised, with a live broadcast on CBS. This exposure helped to increase the event's global appeal, attracting top athletes from around the world. In 1981, the Boston Marathon was officially recognized as a **World Marathon Majors** event, joining the likes of the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. ## Key Information * **Course:** The Boston Marathon course is 42.195 kilometers long, with a net elevation gain of 183 meters. * **Finishers:** Over 30,000 runners have completed the Boston Marathon since its inception. * **World Records:** The men's record is held by Geoffrey Mutai, who completed the course in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 2 seconds in 2011. The women's record is held by Brigid Kosgei, who completed the course in 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 4 seconds 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 division in 1979. * **Boston Qualifying Times:** Runners must meet strict qualifying times to participate in the Boston Marathon, with the fastest times qualifying for the event. ## Significance The Boston Marathon is a significant event in the world of athletics, attracting top runners and spectators from around the globe. The event has a rich history, with many world records broken over the years. The marathon is also a major cultural event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and attracting international media attention. The Boston Marathon has a significant impact on the local community, with many runners and spectators visiting the city in the days leading up to the event. The marathon also raises millions of dollars for charity each year, with many runners participating in the event to raise funds for their favorite causes. INFOBOX: - Name: Boston Marathon - Type: Road Running Event - Date: April 19, 1897 - Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA - Known For: World's oldest annual marathon TAGS: Boston Marathon, Road Running, Athletics, Running, Marathon, World Marathon Majors, Boston Athletic Association, Patriot's Day, World Records, Charity Event.