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Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1780196407

** 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, since 1897. **CONTENT:** ### Overview The Boston Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and the oldest annual marathon in the world. It is a premier event in the world of distance running, attracting top athletes from around the globe. The marathon is held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday in April, and is a significant cultural and sporting event in Boston. The course runs through the city's historic neighborhoods, including the famous "Heartbreak Hill," which has become synonymous with the event. The Boston Marathon has a rich history, dating back to 1897 when it was first organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). The first women's division was introduced in 1972, and since then, the event has become a platform for women's running to shine. The marathon has also been a catalyst for social change, with the first African American woman, Robyn Benoit, finishing the event in 1966, and the first wheelchair athlete, Dick Traum, completing the course in 1974. The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which includes a mix of flat and hilly sections, as well as a grueling finish on Boylston Street. The event is also famous for its unpredictable weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from mild to extreme. Despite these challenges, the Boston Marathon has become a beloved tradition, with thousands of runners and spectators gathering annually to witness the excitement. ### History/Background The Boston Marathon was first organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) in 1897, with 15 runners participating in the inaugural event. The course was originally 24.5 miles long and ran from Ashland to Boston. The first winner, John J. McDermott, completed the course in 2:55:10. Over the years, the course has undergone several changes, with the current 42.195-kilometer route being established in 1924. The Boston Marathon has a long history of innovation, with the introduction of the women's division in 1972 and the wheelchair division in 1974. The event has also been a platform for social change, with the first African American woman, Robyn Benoit, finishing the event in 1966, and the first wheelchair athlete, Dick Traum, completing the course in 1974. ### Key Information * **Course:** The Boston Marathon course runs from Hopkinton to Boston, covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers. * **Elevation gain:** The course has a total elevation gain of 1,563 feet (476 meters). * **Finish:** The finish line is located on Boylston Street, near the Boston Public Library. * **Weather:** The weather conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to extreme. * **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 division in 1979. ### Significance The Boston Marathon is a significant event in the world of distance running, attracting top athletes from around the globe. The event has a rich history, dating back to 1897, and has been a platform for social change, with the introduction of the women's and wheelchair divisions. The Boston Marathon is also a beloved tradition, with thousands of runners and spectators gathering annually to witness the excitement. The Boston Marathon has had a significant impact on the world of sports, inspiring generations of runners to take up the sport. The event has also been a catalyst for innovation, with the introduction of new technologies and strategies to improve performance. The Boston Marathon is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, with runners pushing themselves to the limit to achieve their goals. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Boston Marathon - **Type:** Road running event - **Date:** Third Monday in April - **Location:** Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Known For:** Oldest annual marathon in the world **TAGS:** Boston Marathon, World Marathon Majors, Road running, Distance running, Athletics, Sports, Running, Marathon, Patriots' Day, Boston Athletic Association, Women's running, Wheelchair athletics.