Despite the terrorist attacks at this year’s Boston Marathon, it is still considered one of the greatest marathons in the world. The first marathon was run on April 19th, 1897. It is the world’s oldest marathon, that started with only 18 participants. The first place prize was a wreath made from olive branches. Today runners from all over the world participate in this great race. The race is traditionally held the third Monday of April. Managed by the Boston Athletic Association, it is one of six major marathons. It starts in Hopkins, Massachusetts and finishes in Boston at Copley Square. The race is run on a road surface with the distance being 26 miles and 385 yards. It is also New England’s most widely viewed sporting event. Although two evil terrorists disrupted the finish of this year’s marathon, the race is scheduled to continue next year. The attacks just made the history and tradition even stronger for next year. So be prepared for next year’s great race.
The Greatest Race
