Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is an annual sporting event hosted by the city of Boston and held on Patriots' Day. Considered the world's oldest annual marathon, it is known as one of the most prestigious foot races in the country. Kenyan Robert Cheruiyot won the 2008 marathon, becoming the fourth man in history, and the first Kenyan, to win the race four times.1
Fast Facts
- Established in 1887
- First marathon started with fifteen runners
- Originally began in Ashland, Massachusetts
- Managed by Boston Athletic Association
- Began offering prize money in 1986
- Total prize money distributed for the 112th marathon was $796,000
- Participants are required to have a qualifying time in a previous marathon
- Must run a time of at least 3:10:59 for Males
- Must run a time of at least 3:40:59 for females
- Time adjusted upwards as age increases
- When: Third Monday of April
- Start Time: 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM
- Length: 26.2 miles
- 2008 Winner: Robert Cheruiyot
- Four Olympic champions have won the marathon: Fatuma Roba, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Rosa Mota and Gelindo Bordin2
History of the Boston Athletic Association
Considered one of the oldest races in the world, the Boston Marathon was established by the Boston Athletic Association. The Association began on March 15, 1887, under the guidance of Robert F. Clark. Once located at the corner of Exeter and Boylston streets, the association offered sporting facilities such as a gym, tennis courts and a bowling alley. While the location of the association has moved, the offerings have grown, and to date they offer year-long sports programming in addition to the annual marathon.3
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