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Boston Marathon proves to be more than just a race

The Boston Marathon began in 1897 and ever since then, the race has earned its status as one of the most iconic marathons in the world.

Have you checked off the iconic race from your bucket list yet?

Caroline Szwed · CBC Sports ·
A general view as Wave One runners start the 120th Boston Marathon on April 18, 2016 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

The Boston Marathon began in 1897 on Patriot's Day – the third Monday of April. Ever since then, the marathon has been annually hosted by the city of Boston. This 42.2 km race has earned its name as one of the most iconic marathons in the world.

Runners all over the world try desperately to achieve qualifying times in order to race in the Boston Marathon. But it's not so easy. Race officials have set the qualification bar pretty high and that's why this marathon has become a global obsession for runners worldwide. 

This year marks the 120th edition of the event. Three years earlier, a bombing at the race killed three people and injured at least 140 others.

U.S. President Barack Obama confronted the intense and severe tragedy: "We carry on. We race. We strive. We build, and we work, and we love."

So here we are, since 1897 on every third Monday of April, commemorating, participating and remembering the true meaning of this marathon: family.

Four-time Olympian Shalane Flanagan and 1986 Boston Marathon Champion Rob de Castella introduce the new trailer for an upcoming documentary on the Boston Marathon.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shared his emotional social media post with the world:

And the support continues:

Nothing but positivity from Canadian Paralympian Josh Cassidy.

With a sponsor exemption into the race, even Dan Mullen, the head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs football team, is competing…without ever running a 5km race before.

The time has come:

And we remember history:

But while some run, others film:

While Mark Wahlberg was in Boston, his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal took to the mound at Fenway Park with a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing.

In the midst of it all, we have our 2016 Boston Marathon winners:

But at the end of the day, everyone is a winner.

Till next year, Boston Marathon! 

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