The [Badass] Boston Marathon

Running 26.2 miles is not something that should be taken lightly. In fact, some might argue that its just as difficult to give birth, or pass up an extra scoop of ice cream. All kidding aside, there is something very special about the Boston Marathon that deserves some attention. The Boston Marathon is without a doubt one of the most valued marathons in the United States due to its heavy traditions and difficult qualifying times. The Boston Marathon first began in 1897 and is held annually, on Patriots day (the third Monday in April) in Boston. The BAA hosts the race each year, boasting strict qualifying times to enter the race. 

Boston Marathon Qualifying Standards (effective for 2013 race)
Age	Men	Women
18–34	3hrs 5min	3 hrs 35min
35–39	3hrs 10min	3 hrs 40min
40–44	3hrs 15min	3 hrs 45min
45–49	3hrs 25min	3 hrs 55min
50–54	3hrs 30min	4 hrs 0min
55–59	3hrs 40min	4 hrs 10min
60–64	3hrs 55min	4 hrs 25min
65–69	4hrs 10min	4 hrs 40min
70–74	4hrs 25min	4 hrs 55min
75–79	4hrs 40min	5 hrs 10min
80+	4hrs 55min	5 hrs 25min

The course runs through 26.2 miles of winding roads.  The race runs through eight Massachusetts cities and towns: Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick,Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston.  Boston also boasts of the ever famous, Heartbreak hill. This hill, drops 150- ft in a half mile stretch, which forces many lesser trained runners to a walking pace. 

The nickname "Heartbreak Hill" originated with an incident in the 1936 race. On this stretch, defending champion John A. Kelley caught race leader Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, giving Brown a consolatory pat on the shoulder as he passed. His competitive drive apparently stoked by this gesture, Tarzan Brown rallied, pulled away from Kelley, and went on to win—in the words of Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason, "breaking Kelley's heart." 

Today, those lucky enough to compete in Boston, leave knowing that they raced with some of the best. You also get a killer unicorn medal at the finish, and everyone knows the metal is where its at.