Think you've got what it takes to compete in the world's oldest annual marathon? Well, why not prove it during your upcoming Boston car hire vacation? The Boston Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious road racing events, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators each and every year. Hosted by the Boston Athletic Association and sponsored in part by John Hancock Financial Services, the Boston Marathon is a classic American sporting event by all standards. Whether you're a highly-trained athlete or simply a dedicated fan, there's nothing more exciting than watching racers cross the line at the Boston Marathon.

Qualifying for the big dance

Boston car hire travelers that are interested in participating in this year's Boston Marathon should note that they must qualify for the privilege to do so. Qualifying times are determined by your age on the date of the Boston Marathon in which you plan to participate, and must be recorded at a certified qualifying race. Marathons that act as qualifiers for the Boston Marathon include (but are not limited to) the Ottawa Marathon in Ottawa, Canada, the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego, California, and the Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois.

Be fit and have lots of fun

One of the staples of Race Week at the Boston Marathon is the annual John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. Held inside the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street, the Sports & Fitness Expo is a place where race participants and Boston car hire supporters can meet and mingle prior to the big day. The expo, which is open to the general public, is free of admission and overflowing with informative vendors, booths and services. Participants in the marathon are also reminded that the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo is also where bib numbers are handed out. Please remember to drop by and pickup your race day package on either the Friday or Saturday immediately prior to race day.

Run for a reason

Like other road races, the Boston Marathon supports a number of charitable organizations through the Boston Marathon Charity Program. This program provides charities registered with the marathon guaranteed entries for their organization's fundraising purposes. All qualified runners are also encouraged to aid in these efforts by raising money for those charities involved. In the past, Boston car hire runners have supported organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Boston Partners in Education and the Run for Research. Organizations that are located in the Greater Boston area are welcome to apply to be an official charity participant in the upcoming Boston Marathon.

A quick look at the course

Boston car hire travelers will find the marathon course located right in the heart of downtown Boston. The course, which runs through 26.22 miles of winding roads, follows Route 135, Route 16 and Route 30, as well as city streets. Boston car hire customers will find the official finish in Copley Square, alongside the Boston Public Library. The Boston Marathon is considered to be one of the more difficult road races because of the Newton, Massachusetts Hills. These hills often hinder runners by forcing a late climb after the downhill trend of the race to that point.
With approximately 500,000 spectators, the Boston Marathon is Massachusetts most widely viewed sporting event. Thousands of Boston car hire travelers and locals alike line the streets to cheer the runners on as well as provide free water and snacks to the participants. You haven't truly experienced Boston until you've witnessed the city on race day, but don't take our word for it. Plan to catch the upcoming Boston Marathon race as part of your next Boston car hire vacation.