The Boston Marathon
A Brief History of the Boston Marathon:
Inauguration: The Boston Marathon was first held on April 19, 1897, inspired by the success of the marathon event at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 (pictured here).
Course: The original course of the Boston Marathon was 24.5 miles, starting in Ashland and finishing in the Irvington Oval in Boston.
Expansion: In 1924, the length of the course was officially changed to the standard marathon distance of 26 miles, 385 yards (42.195 kilometers) to conform to Olympic standards.
Traditions: The Boston Marathon is held annually on Patriots' Day, which is the third Monday in April, a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War.
Qualifying Standards: To participate in the Boston Marathon, runners must meet qualifying time standards based on their age and gender, which ensures a high level of competition.
Iconic Moments: The Boston Marathon has been the site of many historic moments in marathon running, including the first official female participants in 1972 and the infamous "Run for the Hoses" in 1983, when high temperatures led spectators to spray hoses to cool the runners.
Elite Competition: The Boston Marathon attracts elite runners from around the world and is considered one of the six major marathons along with races in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.
Tragedy: The Boston Marathon also experienced a tragic event in 2013 when two homemade bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators and injuring hundreds of others.
Resilience: Despite the tragedy, the Boston Marathon has continued to be held annually, symbolizing the resilience and spirit of the city and the running community.
Charity: The Boston Marathon is also known for its strong charitable component, with many runners raising funds for various causes and organizations.
Have you been inspired by any friends or family who have run this amazing course?
TOWNS THAT RUN THE MARATHON ROUTE:
Hopkinton
Ashland (Coming Soon!)
If you want to see the Marathon up close and personal, let Devon help you find a home in one of these great towns, and next year you can watch the race from your own backyard!