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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/run-first-boston-marathon

When was the first Boston Marathon held?

April 19, 1897, with 15 starters.

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  1. 1924
  2. 1951
  3. 1897 ✔

Why: The Boston Athletic Association held its first marathon on April 19, 1897, inspired by the first Olympic marathon a year earlier. Ten of the 15 starters finished, and it has been run every year since.

Huh, didn't know that: Boston's course was lengthened to 26.2 miles in 1924 to match the official marathon distance.

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Why is the Boston Marathon so experienced? It's been running since 1897.
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References

Answer: 1897. The Boston Athletic Association held its first marathon on April 19, 1897, inspired by the first Olympic marathon a year earlier. Ten of the 15 starters finished, and it has been run every year since.

  1. Boston Athletic Association: History www.baa.org/about/history
    The first Boston Marathon, as the race would later become known, was held on April 19, 1897 with a starting field of 15 runners.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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