“Clerici brings the race to life through . . . stories about every statue, landmark and portion of the course from its start in 1897 to its current incarnation” (MetroWest Daily News). From Hopkinton to Boylston Street, the beloved 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon mark historic moments and memories dating back to 1897. Town by town and step by step, follow author, journalist, and runner Paul C. Clerici as he goes deeper into each town and city along the route with firsthand descriptions of the course from the uphill climbs to the spirited sprints. Insightful anecdotes, from the naming of Heartbreak Hill to the incorporation of women runners, reveal meaningful racing heritage along the route. This comprehensive and unique journey also explores the stories behind notable landmarks, statues, and mile markers throughout the course. Woven into the course history is expert advice on how to run each leg of the race from renowned running coach Bill Squires. Whether you’re a runner, spectator, or fan, Boston Marathon: History by the Mile has it all. Includes photos!

117 years Strong…and Counting! This all-new edition, which follows the Boston Marathon into the 21st century and through the tragedy of the 2013 race, is a colorful and moving portrait of what it feels like to run the world’s oldest annual marathon, escorting the reader through the past, present, and bright future of the race. 26.2 Miles to Boston is a rich, vibrant, and inspiring history of the Boston Marathon and of the men and women of varying abilities whose struggles and triumphs have colored this historic event for over a century. From suburban Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to the center of metropolitan Boston, the author takes readers through the mile-by-mile sights, sounds, and traditions that make the race what it is.

A new edition of a sports icon's memoir, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Kathrine Switzer's historic running of the Boston Marathon as the first woman to run. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run what was then the all-male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors who attempted to violently eject her. In one of the most iconic sports moments, Switzer escaped and finished the race. She made history-and is poised to do it again on the fiftieth anniversary of that initial race, when she will run the 2017 Boston Marathon at age 70. Now a spokesperson for Reebok, Switzer is also the founder of 261 Fearless, a foundation dedicated to creating opportunities for women on all fronts, as this groundbreaking sports hero has done throughout her life. "Kathrine Switzer is the Susan B. Anthony of women's marathoning."-Joan Benoit Samuelson, first Olympic gold medalist in the women's marathon

26 MILES TO BOSTON slips squarely into the running shoes and minds of the athletes as they traverse the 26-mile, 385-yard course of America's most venerated long-distance race. From suburban Hopkinton, Massachusetts, to the center of metropolitan Boston, here are the mile-by-mile sights and sounds experienced by the runners. Interwoven throughout is the colorful history of the men and women of manifold skills who have competed in this preeminent event over the span of more than a century. Profusely illustrated with photographs and maps, 26 MILES TO BOSTON is a book for anyone who's ever wondered what it might be like to run the Boston Marathon.

A colorful and moving portrait of what it feels like to run the world's most prestigious long-distance race.

First run in 1897 as America's second and the world's fourth, the Boston Marathon attracts thousands thanks to its long and unique history. What began as simple start and finish lines has grown to encompass a lavish colorful artistry. An athlete and cultural exchange program with the Ohme-Hochi 30K in Japan started with four-time winner Bill Rodgers in the 1970s. Artist Bobbi Gibb was the first female finisher of the race in 1966, and she was later asked to create her own statute along the route to commemorate the event. Author Paul C. Clerici explores the history and iconic traditions of America's most famous road race.

Offering an inside look at the most famous marathon in the world, this exploration traces the Boston Marathon's 26.2-mile route from the starting line on narrow Main Street in Hopkinton to the Boylston Street finish line in downtown Boston, bringing to life the history, personalities, pivotal moments, and individual character of each city the race traverses. The Boston Marathon includes well-researched briefs on topics including Metcalf's Mill at Ashland, the unmarked starting point of the first race in 1897, the infamous 1967 battle over Kathrine Switzer's attempt to compete five years before women were allowed, and other vital race-day elements. The book also includes a tribute to the victims of the tragic 2013 bombing near the finish line. This is a supremely entertaining glimpse at the history of the greatest running event in the world—from wacky entrants to hard-fisted managers, tortured disappointments, and glorious triumph.

Rave Reviews: "Great book!" -- Dave McGillivray, Race Director, Boston Marathon // "This is a must-read for any fan of the Boston Marathon" -- 'Hurricane' Bob Mina // The Boston Marathon features a legendary course that is considered one of the toughest in the world. If you're planning to race Boston, you had better know what you're up against. The course may look manageable, but as experts will tell you, it can be brutal. If you're not ready, if you don't understand the intricacies of the course, Boston can eat you alive.This book takes the reader deep into the race course with a groundbreaking approach: a comprehensive mile-by-mile tour of the course illustrated with nearly 200 photos taken while running the race. The detailed tour is enhanced by the author's comparative race splits and experience to collectively help you plan and execute your best Boston racing strategy. From Hopkinton to Wellesley to Heartbreak Hill to the finish line, this book delivers the complete experience in images, analytics and advice to help you run a great Boston Marathon.What can you expect when you run the Boston Marathon? Everything you need to know is here.

Since 1897, Patriots Day in Massachusetts has been celebrated with the running of the world's most-honored road race, the Boston MarathonAA(R). The hilly course challenges runners with well-known landmarks such as "Heartbreak Hill" and the deceptively inviting downhill treks at both the start and finish of the 26.2-mile journey. The Boston Marathon captures the colorful spirit of America's greatest race through more than 200 photographs.

Dash across the finish line with participants from more than 90 countries at the Boston Marathon.