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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1779362584

** The **Boston Marathon**, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious **marathons**, has been a benchmark for **long-distance runners** since its inception in 1897. **CONTENT:** ### Overview The **Boston Marathon** is a premier **long-distance running** event held annually in **Boston, Massachusetts**, United States. It is the world's oldest annual marathon and 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 marathon has been a benchmark for **long-distance runners** for over a century, attracting top athletes from around the world. The **Boston Marathon** is known for its challenging course, which spans 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) from **Hopkinton** to **Copley Square** in **Boston**. The course features a mix of flat and hilly terrain, with a grueling final stretch through the city streets. The event is also famous for its **qualifying times**, which require runners to meet specific standards to participate. The **Boston Marathon** has a long history of innovation and tradition. In 1966, the event introduced the **qualifying time system**, which has since become a standard in the **marathon** world. The event has also been a pioneer in **gender equality**, with women's participation beginning in 1972. The **Boston Marathon** has been a platform for some of the greatest **marathon runners** in history, including **Bill Rodgers**, **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot**, and **Desiree Linden**. ### History/Background The **Boston Marathon** was first organized on April 19, 1897, by the **Boston Athletic Association (BAA)**. The event was inspired by the **Boston Journal**, which had published an article about the **Marathon of the Sun** in Greece in 1896. The first **Boston Marathon** was won by **John J. McDermott**, an American athlete who completed the course in 2:55:10. In the early years, the **Boston Marathon** was a relatively small event, with only a few dozen participants. However, it quickly gained popularity, and by the 1920s, the event had become a major **marathon** in the United States. The **Boston Marathon** has been held annually since 1897, with the exception of a few years during **World War I** and **World War II**. ### Key Information - **Course**: The **Boston Marathon** course spans 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) from **Hopkinton** to **Copley Square** in **Boston**. - **Qualifying Times**: Runners must meet specific qualifying times to participate in the **Boston Marathon**. - **Women's Participation**: Women's participation began in 1972, making the **Boston Marathon** a pioneer in **gender equality**. - **World Records**: The **Boston Marathon** has been the site of several world records, including **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot**'s 2:05:52 in 2011. - **Notable Winners**: The **Boston Marathon** has been won by some of the greatest **marathon runners** in history, including **Bill Rodgers**, **Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot**, and **Desiree Linden**. ### Significance The **Boston Marathon** is a significant event in the world of **long-distance running**. It has been a benchmark for **marathon runners** for over a century, attracting top athletes from around the world. The event has also been a platform for **gender equality**, with women's participation beginning in 1972. The **Boston Marathon** has a significant impact on the **marathon** world, with its **qualifying times** and **course** setting the standard for other events. The event has also been a source of inspiration for runners around the world, with its rich history and tradition. **INFOBOX:** - **Name**: Boston Marathon - **Type**: Marathon - **Date**: April 19, 1897 - **Location**: Boston, Massachusetts, United States - **Known For**: World's oldest annual marathon and one of the six **World Marathon Majors** **TAGS:** Boston Marathon, Marathon, Long-distance running, World Marathon Majors, Qualifying times, Gender equality, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, Bill Rodgers, Desiree Linden.