The Boston Marathon holds a rich history dating back to its inaugural race in 1897. It’s the oldest annual marathon in the world, known for its challenging course and prestigious status in the running community. The marathon was inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. It has since become one of the most iconic and revered races globally, attracting elite athletes and amateurs alike. The race’s significance was further solidified by the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which highlighted the resilience and unity of the running community and the city of Boston. Today, the Boston Marathon continues to be a symbol of endurance, determination, and the human spirit.
Here are some notable winners of the Boston Marathon throughout its history:
- John J. McDermott: Winner of the inaugural Boston Marathon in 1897.
- Bill Rodgers: Won the Boston Marathon four times in the 1970s, becoming one of the most iconic figures in the race’s history.
- Joan Benoit Samuelson: The first woman to win the Boston Marathon in 1979, setting a women’s course record.
- Meb Keflezighi: Won the Boston Marathon in 2014, becoming the first American man to win since 1983.
- Desiree Linden: Became the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years in 2018, enduring harsh weather conditions.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other remarkable athletes who have won the Boston Marathon over the years, each contributing to the race’s legacy in their own way.Boston Marathon 2024
Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma wins men’s race
Sisay Lemma from Ethiopia is your 2024 men’s Boston Marathon champion. He led wire-to-wire and won with a time of 2:06:18. His previous best Boston finish was 30th place in 2019.