In honor of today’s Boston Marathon, which is the 120th anniversary, here are some fun and interesting facts about this historic race!
- It is always held on Patriot’s Day, the 3rd Monday in April.
- Patriots day celebrates the famous battles of Lexington and Concord. Maine and Massachusetts both celebrate this day. These battles were the first battles of the Revolutionary War.
- The top two finishers get $150,000. (One male and one female)
- In 1975 Boston became the first major marathon to include a wheelchair division.
- Bostons is the fastest marathonĀ in the country, with a 3:44 median time.
- It is the World’sĀ oldest marathon, starting back in 1897. This year is the 120th race.
- The Boston Marathon expo is largest in the world with 200 plus exhibitors.
- The highest point in the course is actually the start line, by far. It is 463 feet above sea level.
- Prior to the 2013 bombings, About 500,000 spectators line the streets of Boston for the marathon, that’s 80% of Boston’s population. Since 2014 they expect close to a million spectators!
- Women were excluded from the race until 1972.
- As the final finishers run through the line, race director, Dave McGillivray heads back to Hopkinton to run the 26.2-mile course in memory of his grandfather, as he’s done for 39 straight years.
Great Job Stephanie! You did well fighting the heat. We’re proud of you!