Boston Marathon

April 18, 2011 Written by:

Today marks the 115th running of the Boston Marathon.

Thousands of runners from around the world are arriving in the small town of Hopkington, where the race kicks off.

The majority of the runners will be underway by 10am EST. Their 26.2 mile journey will lead them to the marathon's namesake, and specifically to Copley Square.

The defending champions for both men's and women's times from last year hail from Africa. Robert Kiprono Cheriuyot is from Kenya and Teyba Erkesso is from Ethiopia.

The weather isn't expected to be a problem for the runners this year. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s along with a tailwind which will be at the runners backs, giving them an extra push.

Some Boston Marathon Facts . . .

-The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, having started up in 1897. It is one of the five World Marathon Majors.

-Each year, the event attracts over half a million people to Boston and the surrounding areas. As much as this is exciting for fans of running it can be a headache for citizens of New England.

-The race is traditionally held on Patriot's Day, a stated holiday in Massachusetts.

-The current record for men is 2:05:52 and for women 2:20:43.