Today in 1897, The first Boston marathon is held. The idea came into play when team U.S. Olympic manger John Graham was inspired by the Marathon at the first modern Olympics. With further assistance from businessman Herbert H. Holton the distance of 24.5 miles was measured out. John J. McDermott from New York was crowned the first winner of the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:55:10. The race began with 15 runners but only finished with 10 proving the race was no easy feat. Woman were not allowed to participate in the Boston marathon until 1972 however, Roberta Gibb into the race in 1966. Nina Kuscsik would become the first woman to officially win the Boston Marathon and honored the efforts of those before her.
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