Q 01/05

In which town does the Boston Marathon start?

A) Hopkinton

B) Framingham

C) Ashland

D) Natick

Answer · why

A) Hopkinton

The start moved there from Metcalf's Mill in Ashland in 1924.

Q 02/05

Where in Boston is the finish line?

A) Beacon Street

B) Commonwealth Avenue

C) Boylston Street

D) Newbury Street

Answer · why

C) Boylston Street

The finish sits near Copley Square in the Back Bay.

Q 03/05

On which holiday is the Boston Marathon traditionally held?

A) Presidents' Day

B) Labor Day

C) Memorial Day

D) Patriots' Day

Answer · why

D) Patriots' Day

Since 1969 the holiday has fallen on the third Monday of April, known locally as Marathon Monday.

Q 04/05

In which year was the first Boston Marathon run?

A) 1897

B) 1901

C) 1908

D) 1921

Answer · why

A) 1897

It was inspired by the marathon at the 1896 Athens Olympics the year before.

Q 05/05

Which event inspired the founding of the Boston race?

A) The 1896 Athens Olympics marathon

B) A New York footrace

C) The Buffalo Turkey Trot

D) The Battle of Marathon anniversary

Answer · why

A) The 1896 Athens Olympics marathon

The B.A.A. had been founded ten years earlier, in 1887.