April 18th 1897, saw the first running of the, now famous, Boston AthleticAssociation marathon. The date chosen was to commemorate the famous ride of Paul Revere, remarkably similar in distance to the Historical Marathon course as well as the fact that Revere also carried a message. The 24.7 mile course was from Metcalfe's Mill in Ashland, Mass to Boston's Irvingston St. Oval and was completed by 8 of the fifteen starters, with John J. Mc Dermott winning in a time of 2hrs 55min 10sec (7:05 mile pace). The classic distance is now 26.2 mile (42.2km).

Boston has risen to become one of the most popular marathons in the world, with the event rich in tradition. Heartbreak Hill there to remind the runners that they are only human after all.

Course records
Male	Cosmos N'deti	Kenya	1994	2Hr 07min 15sec
Female	Uta Pippig	Germany	1994	2Hr 21min 45sec
Date:	April	Country:	USA

For more information: www.bostonmarathon.org

The world's new marathon favourite: Budapest

The Kaiser's Plus Budapest International Marathon is one of the biggest marathon festival and family day in Central Europe. The race which is looking forward to its 16th year in the athletics calendar, hasreputation for friendliness and innovation.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is divided by the Danube River into the Buda and Pest side. The course of the Marathon goes through and under the historical bridges and takes the runners on a magical mystery tour of Budapest's historic sights.

Race director: Árpád Kocsis says "It is not just about the marathon running, this weekend is a great community happening and it is so much fun and a special atmosphere for the families. The Budapest Marathon Festival and Family Day has lots of different programs, concerts for this special day and we had approximately 100.000 people out there who had a lovely day with a big firework and lazer show at the end."

So, the word is out make sure you join them for the next running of this event festival.

Course records
Male	Gergely Rezessy	Hungary	1998	2Hr 15min 38sec
Female	Judit Földingné Nagy	Hungary	2001	2Hr 39min 02sec
Date:	September	Country: Hungary	Director	Árpád Kocsis

The start and finish is located in the historic town of Hauptallee! The route winds its way through part of the Kur area, the lower and upper Bergpark and the attractive Bad Pyrmont Forest on asphalt roads and 'even' woodland tracks. (The toughest covers grass, park, asphalt and even woodland track) through the beautiful Weserbergland The routes are mostly in shady woodland making it possible to run even in hot summer temperatures. The runners pass many of the Bad Pyrmont sights. The beautiful views of the spa town and the surrounding countryside are captivating and well worth a look.

The marathon route covers a total altitude of 690 m, which is spread evenly over the course. The start is at 105 m. The highest point on the course is at 350m. Some parts of the route are run twice. . It is mostly in shady woodland and there are plenty of good views over the Pyrmont Valley. There are twelve stations providing drinks and food.
This marathon is not recommended for beginners.
The time limit is 5 ½ Hours.

Course records
Male	Frank Balzer	VFB Fallersleben [Ger]	1998	2Hr 46min 32
Female	Antje Köppern	FC Meersfeld [Ger]	2000	3Hr 25min 35
Date:	July	Country: Germany