Every April, thousands of runners take to the streets of Massachusetts for The Boston Marathon, a world-renowned race that provides the backdrops for one of Boston’s most enjoyable days on the calendar. Here's what you should know in advance of the 116th running.
What: The 26.2-mile marathon is the oldest, annual city race in the world. The course runs from the Metro West suburb of Hopkinton, and ends in front of the Boston Public Library on Boylston St.
The Boston Athletic Association limits the field size to 25,000 for the Boston Marathon, and all entrants must follow certain eligibility requirements. All runners must be 18 years old, and must meet the designated qualifying time that falls within their age range.
When: Monday, April 16, 2012; Patriot’s Day in the State of Massachusetts
There are four separate start times for the racers:
- Wheelchair start: 9:22 a.m.
- Elite women start: 9:32 a.m.
- Elite men and Wave 1 start: 10 a.m.
- Wave 2 start: 10:20 a.m.
The Course: It’s widely considered one of the most difficult marathon routes in the world thanks to its system of winding roads and challenging hills that take runners on a journey through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston. The challenge reaches its peak at Heartbreak Hill, a section near Boston College that is the final ascent of the four Newton hills. It often proves too much for many racers to take.
Who: In 2011, Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai won the men’s field with a time of 2:03:02, while Caroline Kilel, also from Kenya, won the women's field with a time of 2:22:36. Japan's Wakako Tsuchida won the women's wheelchair field (1:34:06), while Masazumi Soejima, also from Japan, took the field for the men with a time of 1:18:50.
Mutai's time last year set a course record, previously held by Kenya's Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot (2:05:52, 2010). Margaret Okayo (2:20:43, 2002), also from Kenya, still holds the women's record. Ernst Van Dyck holds the men’s wheelchair record (1:18:27, 2004), while Jean Driscoll of the U.S. claims the women’s wheelchair mark (1:34:22, 1994)
But the heart of the Boston Marathon really lies long after the elite athletes have run past, when friends, family, and complete strangers fill the sidewalks of the route, cheering thousands exhausted runners on to the finish and flashing signs of encouragement.
Spectator Information: More than a half-million people will fill the sides of the course. In Boston, using the T is recommended, though the Copley Square stop will be closed for the day. If you’re driving into the city, be aware that it is an official holiday, so meters will not be in effect. However, there will be certain road restrictions, so you could be looking at a decent walk in order to arrive at your desired destination along the route.
Best Places to Watch: Whether it’s the excitement of parking yourself on the home stretch of Boylston St. or reveling in the party atmosphere of Cleveland Circle, there are a variety of distinguished areas to enjoy the race.
For complete race history, course maps, and future registration information, visit the BAA's
official site of the Boston Marathon.
