Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon has been one of the most popular Marathons for decades. The term marathon refers to a long distance race of twenty six miles three hundred and eighty five yards.

The Marathon can be traced back to ancient Greece and the first Olympics. Soldiers would train for battle by running long distances to build their endurance. Throughout history marathon runners have been some of the fittest athletes on the planet.

The main Boston race starts exactly at noon in the town of Hopkinton Massachusetts . The world class women's race starts at 11:31 a.m. and the wheel chair participants leave the line at 11:45 a.m.

One of the unique features of the Boston Marathon is that a member of the general public can enter. It is a straight forward procedure. First you have to pass a physical. The second requirement is that you complete another marathon within the prior year.

Many people enter the Boston Marathon for the shear challenge. One of the oldest competitors was in his mid eighties.

Over the years the areas of the course have been given names based on their characteristics. Newton Hills is a section of the course located in Newton Mass. The area consists of four hills which really challenge the runner. By the time the runner reaches the Newton section they have already run over seventeen miles. The hills cover approximately three miles. At the end of the three miles is the dreaded Heartbreak hill.

Heartbreak hill is named so because this is where a majority of runners hit their physical and psychological limit.

From a physical standpoint the runner's body is in bad shape by now. The fuel the muscles use called glycogen is now just about gone.

If you really want a challenge give the Boston Marathon a try. Make sure to train properly and build up to the distance.