The Boston Marathon is considered the oldest annual footrace in the world. It was established in 1897, inspired by the first Olympic Games. The route begins in Hopkinton and leads to the finish line on Boylston Street. One of the most difficult points on the course remains Heartbreak Hill. To participate, athletes must meet strict qualifying time standards. The course record stands at 2:01:52 for men and 2:17:22 for women. Every year, approximately 500,000 spectators gather along the entire distance.