Original Starting Point of Boston Marathon - Massachusetts Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

As the marker reads, "On April 19, 1897 the first Boston Marathon started at this location. The marathon started in Ashland until 1925 when it was moved to correct the distance."

The original marathon route measured 24.5 miles. It would be extended in 1924 to the classical length of 24.8 miles. (This may or may not be an error in the plaque - it is possible that the extension was adopted after the 1924 race for the 1925 race.) In 1927 the marathon would be further extended to the modern distance of 26 miles, 385 yards.

This plaque is situated on a boulder on the north side of Pleasant Street west of Ashland town center, near where the road curves north over a river.

Agency Responsible for Placement: Unknown County: Middlesex City/Town Name: Ashland Relevant Web Site: [Web Link] Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): Not listed Year Placed: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   09/28/2009 Panzeralarm visited it 09/16/2006 Shorelander visited it

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