40,000 strides and 2,600 calories burned over a distance of 26.2 miles. Over 1,000 are held each year in the United States, yet less than 0.5% of Americans have ever managed to finish one. This is the marathon. This is what some 30,000 runners have signed up for on April 15 when they toe the line for the 128th Boston Marathon®, the world's oldest annual marathon. And while the vast majority of those running have had to meet a qualifying time to gain entry, many are unique in that they have qualified through charitable fundraising. These athletes are required to raise a minimum of $7,500 on behalf of a Bank of America Boston Marathon® Official Charity Program partner. Beginning in 1946, when Stylianos Kyriakides ran the Boston Marathon® to raise awareness and funds for those suffering from starvation in his homeland of Greece, the Boston Marathon® has garnered a rich history of supporting numerous non-profit organizations and their causes.
As the Presenting Sponsor of this iconic race event, Bank of America, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, is committed to supporting each of the Boston Marathon® runners, the estimated 1,000,000 spectators, and countless others who are looking to donate to various runner charities. Marathon runners have an almost obsessive-like mindset when it comes to their training and race preparation. After logging hundreds of miles in training, surviving the strain and pressure of qualifying for this year’s race, or faced with the challenge of raising funds for the charities they are championing for, it’s time to leverage that hard work. Let’s “run” through how this year’s participants, spectators, and off-site race fans can harness their collective efforts by donating to a charity. We’ll also provide some timely go-to updates for Boston Marathon® weekend.
Bank of America supports those who want to run, cheer or give in its first year as presenting sponsor of the Boston Marathon®.
You’ve put in the hard work, why not make each of those race day 40,000 strides take on a whole new meaning? While there are several charities runners, spectators, and fans can choose from, here are just a few non-profit organizations that race day runners are pledging for:
Celebrate your efforts by partnering with an Official Charity Partner of this year’s Boston Marathon®.
Lovin’ Spoonfuls — Spoonfuls helps to fight food insecurity and improve food access by intercepting perfectly good, unsold food and getting it from where it is to local communities. Spoonfuls reaches over 55,000 people each week with fresh, wholesome food.
Special Olympics Massachusetts — With a passionate pursuit aimed at individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round sports training and competition, recreational activities and leadership programs that develop self-confidence, independence, and create a sense of belonging.
Big Sister Association of Greater Massachusetts — Creating a mentor-rich community in which every girl has access to the individual nurturing, guidance, and support she needs, Big Sister Assoc. of Greater Massachusetts is a national model for gender-sensitive mentoring for girls that ignites their passion and power to succeed.
World Central Kitchen — With a focus on emergency food relief, World Central Kitchen is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. With 350 million meals served worldwide, WCK relief teams support those impacted by conflict and natural disasters.
Tips to help you thrive during this year’s Boston Marathon® weekend.
You have trained for months to be ready for the big day, in all kinds of weather while likely battling an injury or two along the way. You’ve made it to marathon weekend. Now what? Where is that restaurant for your pre-race carb-loading? Best place to meet up with your cheering section after the race? You have enough to think about as you pace yourself to a climactic finish at Boylston Street. Here are some ideas to help during your race weekend:
Bar Mezzana, coastal Italian restaurant.
Pastoral Artisan Pizza Kitchen & Bar, specializing in past and pizza.
Tresca North End, traditional Italian food in Boston’s North End.
Antico Forno, “One of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Boston.”
Assaggio, Fine Italian cuisine on Boston’s North End
Vinoteca di Monica, Just steps from Hanover Street, featuring traditional Italian cuisine.
La Famiglia Giorgio’s “Hearty family portions from the heart of Rome.”
Top restaurants for carb-loading (not surprisingly, Italian food rules!)
Where to meet up with friends after your big race
The Copley Atrium
In the public garden or a block or two off Boylston Street.
Most hotels are very accommodating and allow people into their lobby post-race.
Kenmore Square, Beacon Street, or Commonwealth Ave area near the Boston Strong overpass.
The official Family Meeting Area is set up near the finish line, starting on Stuart Street, continuing along Clarendon, and finishing on St. James Avenue.
Best places for a post-race meal
Eastern Standard Provisions Co, and The Halal Guys
The Boston Seaport, including the likes of Legal Sea Foods and City Tap
Almost any restaurant will work - people will be congratulating you the entire day so it's fun to celebrate your big race by staying in the city. Plus, walking around post-race will help your legs recover from those 40,000 strides. The neighborhoods of The Fenway, Boston’s Seaport, and the always popular Theater District are packed with great options. The Fenway offers up a local favorites with Time Out Market Boston, Sweet CheeksQ for barbecue, and El Pelon Taqueria for a taste of Mexico.
Are you a spectator? Here’s what to know.
Spectators can revel in the day’s action with these tips on where to watch the race up close, join in the post-race fun with the race day runners at local eateries, and browse local race-route businesses.
The Steve Fund — Dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, The Steve Fund is an Official Charity Partner of the 2024 Boston Marathon®, and strives to “build knowledge and capacity among organizations serving young people of color.”
From Running to Watching, How to Be a Difference Maker at the 2024 Boston Marathon®.
Best spots to view the race
Miles 14 and 17 are great spots for spectators. Be sure to know your train information for returning to downtown Boston afterwards.
Natick Town Square, located about 10 miles west of Boston, is an excellent race viewing spot.
Famed Heartbreak Hill provides an epic spot for watching runners as they battle the toughest hill on the course.
Beginning at the 17-mile mark, The Newton Hills offer another great viewing spot. The Newton Fire Station is a superb landmark in this section to give runners a loud cheer of support as they start the hardest part of the course.
From running to spectating…celebrate Boston Marathon® Weekend and make a difference along the way.
The opinions and thoughts expressed are those of the participants. Any use of or reference to third-party charitable organizations is for informational purposes only and does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by Bank of America Corporation or its affiliates or that suchcharitable organization has authorized Bank of America Corporation or its affiliates to promote its services. Bank of America Corporation or its affiliates do not monitor or confirm the charitable activities or allocations of donations of third-party charitable organizations.Any prospective donor should conduct an independent review of the charitable organization before donating.
© 2024 Bank of America Corporation.
Take the Boston Marathon® Whiz Quiz
Start
How did famed Heartbreak Hill get its name?
A
From a runner who in 1977 suffered a cardiac arrest, yet continued to run until finishing the race. He later had a heart transplant procedure which enabled him to continue running well into his 60s.
B
20 miles into the race, where marathon runners typically “hit the wall”, Johnny Kelley, who won the marathon the previous year, “wiped out a half-mile deficit” to catch Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. However, Brown gathered himself and surged ahead and went on to win the marathon.
C
While approaching the now famous hill, 20 miles into the race, a male runner proposed marriage to his sweetheart who was running with him. Much to his dismay, she turned him down, “breaking his heart” in the process.
From a runner who in 1977 suffered a cardiac arrest, yet continued to run until finishing the race. He later had a heart transplant procedure which enabled him to continue running well into his 60s.
20 miles into the race, where marathon runners typically “hit the wall”, Johnny Kelley, who won the marathon the previous year, “wiped out a half-mile deficit” to catch Ellison “Tarzan” Brown. However, Brown gathered himself and surged ahead and went on to win the marathon.
While approaching the now famous hill, 20 miles into the race, a male runner proposed marriage to his sweetheart who was running with him. Much to his dismay, she turned him down, “breaking his heart” in the process.
Next
What makes the date of the Boston Marathon® so special each year?
A
The third Monday of April coincides with the approximate date in 490 B.C., when the soldier Pheidippides covered the distance from a battlefield near the city of Marathon, Greece, to bring the news of a Greek victory over the Persians.
B
There is no set date each year. Race officials select a date within the first two weeks of April based upon historical weather patterns.
C
The Boston Marathon® is always held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April.
The third Monday of April coincides with the approximate date in 490 B.C., when the soldier Pheidippides covered the distance from a battlefield near the city of Marathon, Greece, to bring the news of a Greek victory over the Persians.
There is no set date each year. Race officials select a date within the first two weeks of April based upon historical weather patterns.
The Boston Marathon is always held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April.
Next
How many charities are participating in this year’s Boston Marathon®?
A
165
B
26 (one for each mile of the marathon)
C
100
165
26 (one for each mile of the marathon)
100
Next
Who were the first women to officially enter and complete the Boston Marathon®?
A
Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb
B
Rosie Ruiz and Val Rogosheske
C
Joan Benoit Samuelson and Nina Kuscsik
Kathrine Switzer and Bobbi Gibb
Rosie Ruiz and Val Rogosheske
Joan Benoit Samuelson and Nina Kuscsik
Next
What are the six World Marathon Majors each year?
A
Berlin Marathon, Paris Marathon, Los Angeles Marathon, Boston Marathon®, Tokyo Marathon, and Nairobi Marathon
B
Boston Marathon®, Tokyo Marathon, Berlin Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Chicago Marathon
C
Boston Marathon®, Paris Marathon, Miami Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Monte Carlo Marathon, and Helsinki Marathon
Berlin Marathon, Paris Marathon, Los Angeles Marathon, Boston Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and Nairobi Marathon
Boston Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Berlin Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Chicago Marathon
Boston Marathon, Paris Marathon, Miami Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Monte Carlo Marathon, and Helsinki Marathon
Next
In what year was the Boston Marathon® first held?
A
1776
B
1900
C
1897
1776
1900
1897
Next
The Boston Marathon® was the first major marathon to hold a wheelchair race. What was the year this occurred?
A
1975
B
1897
C
2001
1975
1897
2001
Next
How many participants did the first Boston Marathon® have in 1897?
A
122
B
1,333
C
16
122
1,333
16
Start over
As a proud partner of the 128th Boston Marathon®, Bank of America is empowered in its support of all the reasons why runners take part, including racing for local, national, and global charitable causes.
Learn more
Click each answer to progress
Click here to learn more about B of A’s impact at this year’s marathon.
As one of the world’s leading financial institutions, Bank of America continues a longstanding tradition of engagement and sponsorship of elite events that shape and define human accomplishments. As the Presenting Partner of the Boston Marathon®, Bank of America is proud to embark on the next great era of running, and through its designated charities, make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. These Official Boston Marathon® Charities offer a diverse range of opportunities for runners, spectators, and others to truly make a difference by pledging to raise funds for their cause. Show your passion for running and community by clicking on these non-profit organizations and help make this year’s Bank of America Boston Marathon® Charity Program a record-breaking success! Click the tiles below to explore charities!
The Steve Fund
The Steve Fund is the nation’s leading organization focused on transforming educational, organizational, and workplace environments to enhance supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
Learn more
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
Spoonfuls helps to fight food insecurity and improve food access by intercepting perfectly good, unsold food and getting it from where it is to local communities. Spoonfuls reaches over 55,000 people each week with fresh, wholesome food.
Learn more
Special Olympics Massachusetts
With a passionate pursuit aimed at individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round sports training and competition, recreational activities and leadership programs that develop self-confidence, independence, and create a sense of belonging.
Learn more
Big Sister Association of Greater Massachusetts
Creating a mentor-rich community in which every girl has access to the individual nurturing, guidance, and support she needs, Big Sister Assoc. of Greater Massachusetts is a national model for gender-sensitive mentoring for girls that ignites their passion and power to succeed.
Learn more
World Central Kitchen
With a focus on emergency food relief, World Central Kitchen provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. More than 350 million meals have been served worldwide, supporting those impacted by conflict and natural disasters.
Learn more
Bank of America is committed to making the 2024 Boston Marathon® a special day for all to enjoy by enhancing one of the world’s great participatory sporting events. Whether you are a runner with the ultimate goal of finishing, have designs on a new personal best time, or a spectator- supporting the Boston Marathon® means supporting the goals and aspirations of others. Supporting the many runners helping to raise funds for Official Boston Marathon® Charities gives you a truly unique opportunity to enrich the lives of others. Make your pledge today and become a difference maker in this year’s 128th running of America’s most historic, iconic marathon. Find a runner, support a cause and give if you can here.
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