Boston Marathon - The mother of all marathons
Superstar Eliud Kipchoge will be at the start for the first time at Marathon Monday in Boston. So that you know about the event as well as the world record holder, we have put together a few facts and stories about the prestigious race.
Boston is the oldest annual marathon in the world, which is why it is also known as the mother of all marathons. The 127th edition will take place on Monday, April 17, 2023. The race is fully booked every year and 30,000 starters are admitted. Simply register in time and start, but it doesn't work here. Runners must qualify to take part by achieving a certain best time.
For the professionals in the elite field, things are different than usual in Boston: initially, men and women start separately. This means that men cannot give women a slipstream - which could distort competition. In return, men and women get equal attention on television. In general, there are no approved pacemakers in the men's or women's races who could set the pace. This means that each athlete is on their own, which makes the race more tactical and exciting for spectators.
As far as spectators are concerned, figures for the Boston Marathon are reported to be half a million. Since the race takes place on a public holiday in the USA, there are many fans along the route. The route itself is tough: it's constantly uphill and downhill, and your thighs say hello. Overall, the route profile has an altitude difference of over one kilometer, which is why the route does not meet the standards for international records.
Three important events in the history of the Boston Marathon
🎞️ 1897: The first edition of the Boston Marathon takes place. By 1924, however, the route was 39.5 kilometers long, instead of the usual 42.195 kilometers.
🎞️ In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first woman to officially finish the Boston Marathon. What many people don't know: Roberta Gibb crossed the finish line the year before. However, since she did not wear a starting number, her finish was not officially considered a premiere.
🎞️ Tragic event of the year 2013: Three people are killed and many more are injured in a terrorist attack in the marathon finish area.
Three sticking points along the route
⛰️ Hills, hills, hills: A key feature of the Boston Marathon is the profiled route .
🎉 Wellesley Tunnel: In the “Scream Tunnel” at Wellesley College, the students shout loudly at the runners.
💔 “Heartbreak Hill”: The last big hurdle of the race is at kilometer 32. Many people are desperate on the climb of over 600 meters.
Important information at a glance
The schedule at a glance
➡️ 9:37 a.m. local time Start Elite Men (3:37 p.m. CET)
➡️ 9:45 a.m. local time Start Elite Women (3:45 p.m. CET )
➡️ 10:00 a.m. local time start of the entire field (4:00 p.m. CET)
Prize money
🥇 Place: $150,000
🥈 Place: $75,000
🥉 Place: $40,000
Course record bonus: $50,000
Current course records: 2:03:03 (men) and 2:19:59 (women)
