So You Wanna Be a Boston Marathon Unicorn? (Spoiler Alert: There's a Lotta People)
The Boston Marathon. A legendary race steeped in history, cheered on by a sea of passionate fans, and a bucket list item for many a runner. But before you lace up your sneaks and dream of finishing that iconic course, there's one burning question: how many people are actually out there pounding the pavement on Patriots' Day?
How Many People Run The Boston Marathon |
Buckle Up, Because It's a Crowd Scene
The answer? Enough to make social distancing a hilarious afterthought. We're talking tens of thousands of runners, all with the same goal: conquer the 26.2-mile beast and emerge victorious (or at least semi-functional). The average year sees around 30,000 registered participants, which is basically a small city taking a jog en masse.
Now, you might be thinking, "30,000? That's not so bad!" But hold on to your metaphorical water bottle, because things get interesting. The 1996 Centennial Boston Marathon decided to throw a legendary party and hold the record for the most participants ever with a whopping 38,708 entrants. That's more runners than live in some decent-sized towns!
So, the short answer is: a LOT of people. Enough to make high fives a strategic maneuver and personal space a luxury.
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But Wait, There's More! (Because There Always Is)
Here's the thing: not everyone who registers shows up on race day. Life, injuries, and the sudden realization that 26.2 miles is a long way can all play a role. In 2022, for example, out of the 28,506 registered runners, only 24,834 crossed the finish line. Still a massive crowd, but hey, at least there's a slightly better chance of snagging a banana at the aid station.
The point is, the Boston Marathon is a popular race. It's a chance to be part of something bigger, to push your limits, and maybe even snag some bragging rights (assuming you can still speak after the race).
Just remember, you're not alone out there. You'll be sharing the course with a sea of fellow runners, all with the same crazy (but awesome) dream of conquering Boston.
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FAQ: You Ask, We (Briefly) Answer
How to qualify for the Boston Marathon?
This one deserves its own research rabbit hole, but generally, you gotta run REALLY fast.
How to register for the Boston Marathon?
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The process involves some planning and following deadlines. Check out the Boston Athletic Association's website for details.
How to deal with the crowds at the Boston Marathon?
Positive vibes, strategic weaving skills, and maybe a good playlist to drown out the noise.
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
How much does it cost to run the Boston Marathon?
There's a registration fee, but running shoes and the emotional cost of months of training are extra.
How many times can I run the Boston Marathon?
As many times as you qualify! Just be prepared to share the road (and the porta-potties) again and again.