Born to Run
Lace up and check out these seven local running secrets.
I
t's no surprise that Boston is consistently ranked among the best running cities in America, what with the nation's oldest and most prestigious marathon and all, and the headquarters of New Balance, and despite the hills and wind and slush and snow that has us constantly replacing our worn out running shoes. It all helps make our state the third healthiest based on measures including the prevalence of smokers and cancer deaths, and the second least obese (after Colorado). If you're inspired by the marathoners struggling up Heartbreak Hill, come along with us to some great runs, many of them little known, and other secrets that will help you set your own personal records.
Shhhh! The Boston Marathon is actually mostly
a descent, from 462.6 feet above sea level at the starting line to 49.2 feet above sea level in Newton Lower Falls. It rises again to 236.2 feet in the Newton hills, before dropping to 16.4 feet above sea level at the finish.
a descent, from 462.6 feet above sea level at the starting line to 49.2 feet above sea level in Newton Lower Falls. It rises again to 236.2 feet in the Newton hills, before dropping to 16.4 feet above sea level at the finish.
Shhhh! The term “Heartbreak Hill” was coined by
a Boston Globe reporter after John A. Kelley caught Ellison “Tarzan” Brown there in the 1936 marathon, only to see Brown regain the lead, “breaking Kelley's heart.”
a Boston Globe reporter after John A. Kelley caught Ellison “Tarzan” Brown there in the 1936 marathon, only to see Brown regain the lead, “breaking Kelley's heart.”
Shhhh! Boston Marathon sponsor the Boston Athletic Association was established in 1887 “to encourage
all manly sports.” It was housed in a clubhouse where
the Boston Public Library now stands, with a gym, bowling alley, billiard hall, and Turkish baths.
all manly sports.” It was housed in a clubhouse where
the Boston Public Library now stands, with a gym, bowling alley, billiard hall, and Turkish baths.
1.
A park that’s popular with runners—at least the ones who know about it—for its unparalleled skyline views
2.
A smart escape for trail runners hidden on a suburban college campus
3.
The underground races of elite runners
4.
Want to meet fellow runners? Join these group runs
5.
A city running route with flora, fauna, and great views
6.
Join the elite at the world’s biggest fitness show.
7.
Private training that can help you run for the gold
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