2016 Boston Marathon By The Numbers
2:25 AMPosted by: John S Kiernan
The Boston Marathon is more than the country’s premier long-distance running event and a Patriot Day centerpiece for Bay Staters. The heinous acts of two troubled young men on April 15, 2013 turned “Boston Strong” into a national rallying cry and transformed the event into a 26.2-mile tribute to American resilience. But the Boston Marathon must not be characterized by the violence of that day; rather by the fact that we continue to show up and run freely year after year.
Symbolism aside, a spot in the Boston Marathon is a prestigious position, as the field is limited to just 30,000 people, 80% of whom need to beat an age-based qualifying time in a previous marathon to even have a chance. Such is why thousands of qualifiers are left bib-less each year, with $180-$240 in savings representing their sole silver lining.
It is those competitor dues, combined with funding from benefactor John Hancock and a roster of 22 corporate sponsors, that fuel the event’s $830,500 purse, helping to lure Olympic-hopefuls and other top talent in the process. That elite field, the holiday atmosphere and even the annual 11:05 a.m. start time for the hometown Red Sox contribute to Marathon Monday’s party vibe, bringing roughly half a million people to line the course each year and providing a $182 million boost to the local economy.
We’re obviously already in the marathon mood at WalletHub, and to help inspire you to join us, we put together an awesome infographic filled with fun facts about the 2016 Boston Marathon, which you can check out below. We also convened a panel of leading running industry and sports business experts for their take on the Boston’s significance, trends in the marathon world and much more. Enjoy the race!
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For a closer look at the business side of big races such as the Boston Marathon, we posed the following questions to a panel of leading experts. You can find their bios and responses below.
- What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon?
- Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston marathon?
- What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon?
- Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon?
Beth A. Taylor Associate Professor of Kinesiology in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at University of Connecticut, and Director of Exercise Physiology Research at Hartford Hospital
William J. Pierce Professor and Chair of the Health Sciences Department, and Co-Founder of the Furman Institute of Running & Scientific Training at Furman University
Jared Ward Adjunct Professor in the Department of Statistics at Brigham Young University
Jacob Earp Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at University of Rhode Island
David C. Nieman Professor in the Department of Health & Exercise Science, and Director of the Human Performance Labs at Appalachian State University
Mary Jo Loughran Associate Professor of Psychology at Chatham University
Timothy Capron Professor in the Division of Criminal Justice at Sacramento State University
Emily Ford Orthopedic Resident at the Boston University Athletic Training Services
Nancy Meyer Professor of Kinesiology and Athletic Director at Calvin College
Ray Castle Associate Professor of Professional Practice & Athletic Training Program Director in the School of Kinesiology at the Louisiana State University College of Human Sciences & Education
Karrie Hamstra-Wright Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition in the College of Applied Health Sciences at University of Illinois at Chicago
Stephanie M. Mazerolle Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Director of the Entry Level Athletic Training Education, and Researcher in the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy at University of Connecticut
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Boston is unique in several ways. First, it's a point-to-point course, so runners must be bussed or dropped out to the finish line far in advance of the race start at 10. So, runners need to really consider the physical/emotional effects of waiting around at the start for 3-4 hours beforehand. Things like eating a substantial enough breakfast, bringing snacks/water if necessary, wearing a lot of clothes, and figuring out how to stay relaxed and less anxious while waiting around will improve the race experience. Moreover, the race goes out incredibly fast - far faster than most marathons - because of the crowd, excitement, anticipation, and initial downhill miles. Although a runner will feel great in those first 6-10 miles, I cannot emphasize enough: don't go out too fast! Finally, be prepared to feel a bit overwhelmed - there are runners everywhere, the crowds and noise are incredible, the course feels pretty hard with the hills at the end, and even simple things like getting water at a water stop can feel logistically difficult because of the number of runners. My advice is just to consider the race an experience - something to accept, savor and enjoy, rather than perfect, at least the first time around. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? I think it is great to have a race for which qualifying is somewhat difficult. There are hundreds of non-qualifying marathons, so this really is an all-inclusive sport. Therefore, a prestigious race such as Boston, with qualifying times, provides a unique experience for runners who are goal-oriented and looking for a different, more competitive experience. With the increasing number of technological advantages and advances today's runners have (training programs, watches, fabrics, shoes, access to research, new training techniques, new recovery modalities and equipment, better hydration and fueling options), the standards could probably be even more difficult. And, the race directors enroll a large number of charity runners, so slower runners looking for the experience still have a wonderful opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a charity and run Boston. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? The chances are likely low this year since the international field is very strong, with several returning Boston champions and top 5 finishers on both male and female sides. Moreover, as it is an Olympic year, the Olympic trials were recently held in February for the U.S. marathon. Consequently, many of the top American distance runners are sitting Boston out either because they made the Olympic marathon team and are now resting/beginning preparation for the Olympics or because they didn't and are instead preparing for the distance events at the Olympic Trials for track and field. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? Certainly in the world we live in today, the possibility of an attack is ever-present. And, the recent events in Brussels highlight that there will likely continue to be unforeseen attacks on individuals, ethnic groups, countries, and other political entities. That being said, Boston Marathon race personnel and associated municipalities have done a great job making the race as secure and safe as possible. The premise of the marathon is to challenge oneself so thoroughly so as to recognize the power of belief, faith and courage. That message can't and shouldn't be diluted by any real or perceived threat of hatred and violence. William J. Pierce Professor and Chair of the Health Sciences Department, and Co-Founder of the Furman Institute of Running & Scientific Training at Furman University 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Be conservative for the first half of the course. Don’t go out too fast. The course is deceiving because there is a significant elevation drop in the first 10 miles, but it isn’t very steep and the road is packed with runners so the runner might not perceive that it is downhill. Regardless, the first half of the road will tax the quadriceps, which will lead to muscular fatigue after the newton hills. There is another significant elevation drop from miles 21 to 24. This downhill is much steeper and runners often suffer leg fatigue and are unable to take advantage of the fastest part of the course. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? It appears that Boston’s qualifying standards are about right if the goal is to set the qualifying standards at a level that enables the race to accommodate those that qualify and apply for entry. The marathon director knows how many runners can be accommodated with the various logistical challenges. The last few years, most runners who qualified and applied were able to gain entry. Only those whose qualifying time was within a couple of minutes of the qualifying standard were denied. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? Based on the performances of the past 33 years, they are not good. Kenyans and Ethiopians have dominated major marathons for the past three decades. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? Sadly, random terrorist attacks are a threat to 21st century life. Providing security for 26 miles must be an enormous challenge. Security is most likely better and more extensive at Boston because of the 2013 bombing than any other major running event. Jared Ward Adjunct Professor in the Department of Statistics at Brigham Young University 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Have fun! Boston is a historic venue. Also, be conservative. Run the pace you have prepared for. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? I think Boston does a great job making qualifying truly an accomplishment. Many marathons would limit participants to satisfy permit regulations through principles of supply and demand. For a race like Boston, they could stand to make a lot of money with so profit maximizing model. I think Boston does a lot for the sport sacrificing profits to create something that is a lifetime accomplishment for so many runners. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? Since the mid '80s we have had one. I wouldn't take my money to Vegas. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? I am deeply saddened by events like what happened in Brussels and in Boston a few years ago. I can't understand why things like that happen, and feel sorrow for people who have suffered in these bombings, either themselves or over grievances of lost loved ones. I do believe the best thing we can do is continue to move forward and live our lives. I don't think living in fear is productive, so I tend to not worry about what might happen. I pray that God has the reigns on my life, and a plan for me. I trust that. Jacob Earp Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at University of Rhode Island 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Make sure that you have a well-rehearsed race plan in place at least a week before the race itself. This plan should include details like your pacing strategy, hydration and nutrition plan. Your plan should be specific but allows some flexibility; for instance if it is abnormally hot you should slightly slow your pace early on and consider increasing your fluid consumption enough to offset your additional sweat loses. Race weekend is not a time to try anything new. This applies not only to your running pace but also your nutrition and gear. Remember, similar to your legs, your gut needs to train for the race. So if you didn’t train with drinking Gatorade or fueling with Cliff Shots (both race sponsors) then doing so on race day could cause GI distress and decreased nutrient absorption. Your race day gear should also be worn in at least a few longer training runs prior to the race to prevent chaffing, alternations to your running mechanics, or technical issues. A good rule of thumb is anything you buy at the race expo should only be used after the race. Make sure to plan out your race morning. Added security, road closures and bathroom lines can all cause delays and added stresses, so arrive early, settle in and enjoy the ambience of being at this historic race. These can all cause anxiety before the race that translates to fatigue in your adrenal system before you even take your first step on the course. Remember to look over the course information before you start so you know where elevation changes and water/fueling stations are located. You might not need to stop at every aid station, but if you miss a station for some reason you’ll want to know where the next station will be. Boston has a unique course that holds some unique challenges. The course finishes at a lower elevation than it starts but most of this elevation is lost in the first four miles. This combined with the cooler morning temperatures and excitement of the crowd, often results in people running faster than they planned out at the start of the race. These overambitious or unprepared runners then encounter the four Newton Hills (including the infamous Heartbreak Hill) in the second half of the race (between miles 16-21) with accumulated fatigue that leaves the legs in a position they cannot maintain the effort and they are either forced to walk or unable to recover on the proceeding five miles of the race, which are largely downhill. One way you can try to prepare for Boston course is by running a few short (¼ to ½) mile hill repeats in the middle of a longer run. Not only do you want to maintain relative effort and cadence during the climbs, but you should also focus on your downhill running mechanics in a fatigued state. When running downhill, you should stay relaxed and minimize the braking forces present in your gait by keeping your hips over your feet and not over striding. Another challenge for first time Boston runners is that many runners are coming off a rough New England winter. You should adjust your expectations and pacing strategy based on how your training is leading you into the race. If training is going well you can increase your expectations, but don’t be afraid to scale things back if you missed several key runs before the race. The hilly course of Boston does not lend itself well to treadmill running so if you’ve been stuck running inside, try varying the inclines and doing as many of your long runs outside as you can. One key aspect many runners don’t think about is that it's around the initial foot contact, where the muscles are loaded eccentrically, that muscle damage (both good and bad) primarily occurs. If your foot lands heavy or loud, you’ll encounter a large “impact spike” of force that can cause a small amount of damage that can accumulate over the course of the race resulting in your legs feeling like jelly during the race and sore legs the days following the race. Running downhill or running on harder surfaces such as roads greatly increases this eccentric loading and takes a large toll on the legs. To prepare your legs for the race, make sure you have some downhill running using proper form included in your training and that you don’t just train on treadmills, which are much softer than the roads you’ll be running at Boston. However, caution should always be taken when running downhill or on hard surfaces because too much of either can result in overuse injuries that can take you out of the race before it even started. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Because of the rapidly growing popularity of the Boston Marathon, qualifying times keep getting faster and now, even running a qualifying time will not guarantee race entry. Race times are at the point now where most recreational runners must train intently for several years before qualifying to put in an application to run the race. This has made running a Boston qualifying time for your age group and gender a sign of prestige in the running community. However, other avenues for race entry are available, so if you can’t run the qualifying time you can still find a way to run the race. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? There is a strong field of international runners with impressive times by some of the Ethiopian and Kenyan runners so an American winner this year would be a welcome surprise. Since this is an Olympic year, some of the elite US marathoners you might pick as dark horse winners are focusing on Rio. After seeing this year’s US Olympic Team Trials I would have loved to have seen Amy Cragg, Desiree Linden, Shalane Flanagan or Kara Goucher running Boston; they all showed a level tenacity that can make anything happen. However, you never know what’s going to happen in Boston and US elites Girma Mecheso and Neely Spence Gracey are making their debut at the marathon distance and could surprise us all as they've both shown the speed necessary to win. David C. Nieman Professor in the Department of Health & Exercise Science, and Director of the Human Performance Labs at Appalachian State University 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Stick with your pace strategy established during training, and don't get caught up in the excitement and go out too fast (a common mistake that burns up precious muscle glycogen leading to an early "Hit the wall" episode). If you feel good at 20 miles, push the pace to the finish line. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Just about right. A bit on the easy side, but would rather see that than the opposite. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? Very low. The times being run by Kenyans and Ethiopians are other worldly and beyond what U.S. male and female runners are capable of. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? Hopefully not. Everyone is more aware. Mary Jo Loughran Associate Professor of Psychology at Chatham University 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon?
- First and foremost, savor the accomplishment of getting here. Simply by qualifying, you have joined an elite group in distance-running. Congratulations!
- Expect the usual butterflies on race day, and then some due to the league-of-its-own status of the Boston Marathon. Remind yourself that those nerves are your body's way of telling you to pay attention to what you are about to do. The good news is, even though the setting and hype is different, running is still running. Put one foot in front of the other, and repeat as necessary.
- Set goals for yourself that are reachable. Focus on the things you can control and put your energy there. You have no say about the weather or how fast the other competitors will go. You can, however, make sure you eat right, get plenty of rest, and run your race.
- Be your own best cheerleader. Tell yourself that those crowds are there for you.
Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? Yes, the Brussels attack indicates that we still do not take Islamic terrorism seriously, so yes, high profile events like this are prime targets. We have an administration that cannot even utter the words, Islamic terrorism. On the other hand, with little emphasis from the top, federal, state and local officials are very much aware that events like this are targets and are definitely engaged in preventing them with extensive planning and intelligence, especially local. Events like this will have superior security. I would worry more about attacks in Europe in the near term versus here, but we can expect some in the future if we do not deal with this. Emily Ford Orthopedic Resident at the Boston University Athletic Training Services 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon?
- Pay close attention to the weather on race day – adjust your pace accordingly if the temperature is significantly higher than what you are used to;
- Start hydrating 48 hours prior to the start – don’t wait until the night before;
- Stay away from pre-race foods that you haven’t tried before – eat items that you know you can tolerate before exercise;
- Have a fuel and hydration plan going into the race and stick to it throughout.
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? Enjoy the experience and pretend that every screaming fan is cheering for you personally! Don’t overextend in the first half so that you can say that you not only ran in the Boston Marathon, you finished the Boston Marathon. Stay hydrated! Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? I think it is just right. It is competitive, but not impossible. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? I think security will be at a very high level — with good reason. It is nearly impossible to patrol all 26 miles so fans will have to be the eyes and ears of all the security agencies. Ray Castle Associate Professor of Professional Practice & Athletic Training Program Director in the School of Kinesiology at the Louisiana State University College of Human Sciences & Education 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? The best thing I typically tell first time marathoners is to try to stay to your normal routine leading up to the race. For some runners who may have qualified to raise funds for a charity, this especially holds importance. With the large number of runners and start waves, a runner may not be accustomed to starting his/her running day at 10:30 AM. This may change how a runner hydrates and fuels (eats) prior to the start time. Another important factor is ensuring good quality sleep. Finally, listen to your body. If you are having difficulties during the race then medical personnel are positioned throughout the entire course to provide assistance. Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? It is definitely not easy to qualify for the Boston Marathon. There are a number of races, such as the Louisiana Marathon held in each January that has grown a reputation as a “fast” course and good BAA Qualifier race. Once a runner qualifies, I think it’s easy to say that is when the next level of training begins to finish the Boston Marathon. Given the difficulty of the course, especially Heartbreak Hill after Mile 20, runners really need to be prepared (and qualified) to have a great run. What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? While history hasn’t fared well for an American (male or female) to win the race in recent years, it looks slim given the total number of non-US runners in this year’s elite races. Once they put their shoes on and the race starts, it is anyone’s race. There are several Americans running in the elite field for the first time, so it will be great to see how they do in addition to the veteran runners. Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? I wouldn’t say the recent attack increases the possibility, but rather that it can happen (and has previously) anywhere and/or repeated, not just the Marathon. Large events like the Super Bowl, the World Series, and other athletic events always have a higher threat level potential given that they are highly visible events. However, organizers for these and many other events spend extensive time working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the medical community to ensure a fun and safe Marathon for runners and spectators. Karrie Hamstra-Wright Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition in the College of Applied Health Sciences at University of Illinois at Chicago 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon? The Boston Marathon is such an iconic event, rich with history, tradition, status, and challenge. For non-professional first-time participants, I think it is important to walk the fine line of respecting the course yet not fearing it; trust in all the hard physical, mental, and emotional work you put in to get to that point. I also suggest taking time the day before to drive the course, if possible. And when doing so, really envision yourself running that segment of the course, see yourself succeeding. Lastly, take time the day before to go to the finish line and take pictures of yourself at that finish line "tape" (paint on the ground) again seeing yourself cross that line happy with your goals achieved! Do you think it is too easy or too difficult to qualify for the Boston Marathon? I think the standards are currently fair, but I do feel that, as our sport continues to grow and the top half of the fields getting faster, the standards should be continually evaluated (which I am sure the BAA will do). What are the chances that an American (male or female) wins the Marathon? Due to the marathon Olympic Trials just occurring in February and the Olympic marathon upon us in July, the American professional field will be slimmer than most years. On paper, our top Americans who have raced the marathon distance before have about 8-9 minutes difference between their personal record and the personal records of the top professionals from other countries. But, we have a couple Americans making their debuts who have run exceptionally strong half marathons and, as many say, anything can truly happen over the course of 26.2 miles so I certainly would never count an American out! Do you believe that the recent attack in Brussels increases the possibility of another attack on the Marathon? I do not think so. Unfortunately, we live in a world where attacks are possible anyday, anywhere. If anything, I think Brussels gave our security teams even more information on how to be best prepared, thus increasing the safety and security of the event. Stephanie M. Mazerolle Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Director of the Entry Level Athletic Training Education, and Researcher in the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy at University of Connecticut 
What tips do you have for a non-professional first time participant to the Boston Marathon?
- Don’t change any habits prior to the race day (if you eat breakfast before a long run, do so on race morning).
- Try to remain within your pace (avoid getting caught up in the hype of the race - find a pace group if possible).
- Have fun and remember you trained for it.
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