The Boston Marathon has been staged since 1897 making it the world’s oldest annual city road race. However, it has grown a bit since that inaugural run where only 18 participants took to the streets of Boston.
Ten thousands of enthusiastic and determined marathon runners participate every year.
Do you wish to have this marathon on your list as well?
Make sure to follow a solid marathon training schedule in order to qualify for this special race.
I heard a lot of good about this marathon challenge and hope to participate in the near future.
Race History
The Marathon in Boston deservedly ranks as one of the most prestigious racing events on the globe due, in part, to its valued history.
The course has always been challenging, and would-be runners must qualify for entry.
Qualification demands a participant in the Boston Marathon finishes a certified marathon during a specified period of time determined according to runner age.
In fact, runners throughout the world actually take great pride in the fact qualifying for the race is, in itself, a notable achievement.
From a humble beginning with less than 20 runners, the Boston Marathon fielded its largest group of 35,000 during the centennial run in 1996.
This year’s running promises more than 25,000 participants taking to the streets on April 18, 2011 – Patriot’s Day – a long-standing tradition.
Race Course
The running course at the Marathon in Boston remains constant and legendary. The 42.195 km run follows the winding roads through rural Hopkinton into the heart of urban Boston and its world renowned for its high difficulty level.
Once the race passes the 25k mark, runners meet a road where there is a series of inclines known as Newton Hills. Although these hills are not truly high in elevation, the challenge to runners comes meeting these inclines after virtually running downhill for 25k. These hills can break the most experienced runner.
Wait. Here comes Heartbreak Hill, the last in the series of four hills. Many people believe the name originates from the fact runners must overcome a superior challenge that when faced just might break a hearty.
However, truth be told, in 1936 defending champion John A. Kelley caught up to front-runner Ellison Brown and gave him a consolation-like pat on the shoulder while passing.
The seemingly condescending gesture provided the emotional, and physical, impetus compelling Brown to dig deep and muster the strength needed to overtake Kelley and win the race.
Local news reports indicated Brown’s win broke “Kelley’s heart.” Thus the name. The Boston Marathon belongs to the World Marathon Majors that also include Berlin, Chicago, London and New York.
How To Register
Registration is closed for the 2011 Boston Marathon.
However, a new process that is performance-based will be used for the 2012 running. Registration opens Sept. 12 and closes Sept. 23. Although qualifying times needed will not change from recent years, those fastest qualifiers get first shot at registration along a “rolling admission” process.
This translates to runners with the fastest qualifying times meeting gender and age standards by at least 20 minutes or more can register on the first day flowing over to day two.
Day three and four find registration available for runners meeting the qualifying standards by 10 minutes or more. Day five finds registration available for qualifying runners meeting standards by five minutes or more.
All qualifying performances must be verified to complete the registration process.
After registration is completed the first week, all additional runners meeting the qualifying standards for age and gender will be placed into the race after times are verified until participation numbers are met.
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