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The Boston Marathon is one of the most famous road races in the world—known for its deep history, challenging course, and Patriots’ Day traditions in Massachusetts. Below are 10 verified facts about the race that many people don’t know, updated for 2026.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Boston Marathon (2026)
Quick facts (at a glance)
- First run: 1897
- When it’s held: Patriots’ Day (third Monday in April)
- Distance: 26.2 miles (42.195 km)
- Start / finish: Hopkinton to Boston (Copley Square area)
1) It’s recognized as the world’s oldest annual marathon.
The Boston Marathon began in 1897 and is widely recognized as the world’s oldest annually run marathon—one reason it has such a unique place in running history. Source
2) The race is tied directly to Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.
The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts state holiday. Since 1969, Patriots’ Day has been observed on the third Monday in April, and the race has been held on that Monday ever since. Source
3) Boston’s course became 26.2 miles in 1924—and that’s why it starts in Hopkinton.
Boston’s course length changed to the now-standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles in 1924, and the start line moved to Hopkinton to accommodate the longer course. Source
4) “Heartbreak Hill” is part of a longer set of climbs known as the Newton Hills.
Heartbreak Hill is the final climb in a series of hills through Newton that hit runners late in the race—one major reason Boston is considered a tough course, even for experienced marathoners. Source
5) Women weren’t officially recognized as entrants until 1972.
While women ran Boston before they were officially recognized, the Boston Athletic Association began recognizing women racers officially in 1972. Source
6) Kathrine Switzer’s 1967 run became one of the race’s most enduring turning points.
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer ran Boston and became globally associated with the fight for women’s inclusion in distance running—an iconic moment in marathon history. Source
7) Boston is a “Major”—and the Majors expanded beyond the original six.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The series began as six events and has since expanded (with Sydney added as a seventh Major). Source
8) Qualifying is a defining feature, but not everyone enters by time.
Boston is famous for its qualifying standards, but runners can also participate through charity programs and other official entry paths, depending on the year’s rules and availability. Source
9) The 2013 bombing is a permanent part of Boston Marathon history.
On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line, killing three people and injuring hundreds. After subsequent reviews, the injury toll is commonly cited as 264 injured. Source | Source
10) World Athletics formally recognizes the Boston Marathon’s historical significance.
World Athletics notes Boston’s heritage status and its position as the world’s oldest annual marathon, underscoring its global prestige as a road race. Source
Sources and references
- World Marathon Majors – Boston
- World Athletics – B.A.A. Boston Marathon (Heritage)
- HISTORY – First Boston Marathon held (April 19, 1897)
- Hopkinton Independent – 1924 distance adoption / start move context
- New England Public Media – Women officially recognized in 1972
- FBI – Boston Marathon Bombing
- New England Journal of Medicine – Injury toll context (264)
