Boston Marathon

About

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, first held on April 19, 1897. It was originally known as the American Marathon and covered a distance of 24.5 miles from Ashland to Boston. Inspired by the 1896 Summer Olympics, the event was organized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.). The race has since grown in stature and distance, with the course lengthened to 26 miles, 385 yards in 1924 to conform to Olympic standards. Today, the Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious running events globally, attracting over 30,000 participants annually. The race starts in Hopkinton and finishes at Copley Square in Boston, passing through iconic landmarks like Wellesley College and Heartbreak Hill. It is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April. The event is known for its challenging course and is part of the World Marathon Majors, drawing runners and spectators from around the world.