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

1. Established in 1887
2. First marathon started with fifteen runners
3. Originally began in Ashland, Massachusetts
4. Managed by Boston Athletic Association
5. Began offering prize money in 1986
6. Total prize money distributed for the 112th marathon was $796,000
7. Participants are required to have a qualifying time in a previous marathon
8. Must run a time of at least 3:10:59 for Males
9. Must run a time of at least 3:40:59 for females
10. Time adjusted upwards as age increases
11. When: Third Monday of April
12. Start Time: 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM
13. Length: 26.2 miles
14. 2008 Winner: Robert Cheruiyot
15. 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

Categories