Fit Club

Join the elite at the world's biggest fitness show.

John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo, Boston Marathon

ome people steer clear of the Back Bay when the Boston Marathon nears, bringing as it does huge crowds of thin, fit runners and thousands of journalists and officials. But the controlled chaos often obscures a hidden gem that's open for free to anybody: the John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo, largest and arguably best in the world, at the Hynes Convention Center, with 200 exhibitors, from Adidas to ZipFit. Listen in on tips from world-class athletes, consult with experts about your own health and fitness, buy official marathon merchandise, and collect free samples of energy bars and drinks (mmmm). You'll still have to dodge those runners—this is where they pick up their bib numbers—but they'll stay out of your way. After all, they're pretty spry. Healy

Shhhh! Beginning in 1900, all Boston Marathon
runners were required to undergo
a physical examination on the morning of the race.
The physicals were discontinued in the 1960s.

Shhhh! Marathoners spend an estimated
$100 million in Boston, including nearly $2 million in
entry fees to the Boston Athletic Association.

Shhh who knew

There were barely more than a dozen runners in the Boston Marathon in its first year, which rose to 164 by 1909, but never exceeded 285 (in 1928) until the running boom began in the 1960s.