Boston Marathon 2016

The 120th Boston Marathon 2016 is scheduled for April 18th which is Patriots Day.  The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the most prestigious in the country.

Moreover, the Boston Athletic Association manages this event. Hence, it is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services.    The Marathon is one of the most prestigious in the sport of racing by its traditions, longevity, and gaining entry into the race.

Applying to race in the Boston Marathon

Someone who wants to apply to race in the Marathon must fill out an application providing the name and date of a prior marathon they qualified.  The Boston Athletic Association verifies all time before granting acceptance for the race.   Those without times from a prior race will receive a bib number accordingly.  Additionally, if you’re unable to obtain a qualifying time for your gender and age group, you may explore options through the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.

Register for the Race

The Boston Athletic Association uses a process to register the fastest runners in their gender and age group to register first.  The registration for the event is usually in the month of September.    The application process takes about four weeks in which runners will then receive by mail a postcard letting them know they have qualified to participate in the race.  Registration for the 2016 race is now closed.  If you want to participate in the race going forward registration has already begun.    The fee for the Marathon is $180.00 for United States residents and $240.00 for International residents.

The Race

On the day of the race, all participants have Bibs with their numbers.    The start line begins in Hopkinton at the Doughboy statue on East Main Street.  The race follows Route 125 through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley, where Route 16 joins 135.  It continues through Newton Lower Falls to Commonwealth Avenue and bears right onto Chestnut Hill Avenue to Cleveland Circle.  The route then turns onto Beacon Street through Kenmore Square and follows Commonwealth Avenue inbound.  The course turns onto Hereford Street, then on to Boylston Street finishing near the John Hancock Tower in Copley Square.  The finishing point is directly in front of the Boston Public Library.

What to wear

The Boston Athletic Association chose the Unicorn as the organization’s symbol due to its place in mythology.  The iconic Unicorn stands for excellence.  Some styles for Men, Women and Children are below.

2016 Prize Structure

The total prize money amongst the top finishers for the 120th Boston Marathon will be $830,000. In addition, there is another $220,00 if records are broken in the open, masters or push rim wheelchair divisions.  John Hancock continues to provide the  prize money and bonus award.  Top finishers have received over $18.1 million in prize money and bonuses over the past thirty years.

Of course, all of us will remember the Marathon on April 15, 2013, and how we all came together as a city, state and nation.  Are you attending the Boston Marathon?  Racing?  Of course I look forward to you sharing your stories with me.