The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon on earth and as such, it has a rich history.
The marathon is run on the third Monday every April since it began in 1897.
Residents in Boston will line the streets so they can catch glimpses of the world's best runners who are making the annual run of the city's streets.
People who live in the Boston area and are familiar with the race's history will easily be able to recognize race veterans.
People eagerly line up on the sides of the city streets to offer water to runners and to cheer them on as they run by because this is the most watched sports event in the New England area.
The race sees a variety of runner and each has their own reason for running this amazing race.
Some people are crowd favorites that run each year and some runners do it for the shear pleasure of finishing the race and making such a major accomplishment.
Boston Marathon - Heartbreak Hill
The course of the Boston Marathon is one the most challenging courses in the world.
It is twenty six miles that are spread over hills throughout the Boston area, ending in one of the most terrifying hills, Heartbreak Hill. This hill gets its name from its course location.
Heartbreak Hill comes in at the sixteenth mile of the marathon. At this point in the race, runner will usually be hitting the wall and feeling like they can't go any further, so it is this hill that proves the most challenging for most.
Many go no further than Heartbreak Hill. This hill claimed John Kelley, former champion, as he lost the 1936 race to Ellison Brown and the rumor was the hill broke Kelley's heart.
The Boston Marathon is a Favorite of Fans
Stories and legends are one main reason why the Boston Marathon is a big favorite of fans.
Out of all the marathons around the world, this one has the most loyalty and tradition.
The Patriot Day holiday shuts the city down and helps the fans from all over Massachusetts to be able to watch from the streets or on television.
The Boston Marathon's Rick and Dick Hoyt
Rick and Dick Hoyt are a father and son team that are no strangers to the race. They have been involved with the race for years.
Dick is the father of the pair and fans love to watch him race along, pushing his son's wheelchair along the Boston Marathon course.
Motivated by his son's interest and love of sports, Dick joined the race for Rick, who has cerebral palsy.
They have completed the Boston Marathon over twenty-five times together.
If you want a race that is steeped in tradition and that draws one of the largest sports crowds on earth then this is for you.
You can't miss the Boston Marathon.
Everyone in New England makes sure to watch the race and no one that lives in Boston will ever miss it.
The marathon has an atmosphere that is much like a carnival. It is fun and something you won't ever forget.
Don't forget to take in some of the Boston Marathon's history and tradition by keeping an eye out for Dick and Rick Hoyt among the runners.
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