5 For Thought : Boston Marathon Edition

In light of yesterdays tragedy at the Boston Marathon, I thought it would be appropriate to make today’s 5 for Thought about why the Boston Marathon is so great and special to those who participate in the event.

The prize purse for the Boston Marathon is $150,000 plus an extra $25,000 for setting a course record

NYC prize purse equals $20,000

Women were not allowed to enter the race until 1973

            In 2011, 43% of the entrants were women

The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon there is

            Beginning in 1897, the marathon is said to have begun after the first ever marathon was ran at the 1896 Olympics.

Close to 500,000 spectators line the marathon's course each year

            That number represents 80% of the entire Boston population

Since 1991, only 1 male winner has NOT been from either Kenya or Ethiopia

            Lee Bong-Ju from Korea won the race in 2001

Thoughts and Prayers go out to those impacted by the tragic events which took place yesterday

 Wear Purple for Boston!