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How Boston.com readers feel about the Boston Marathon not making this list of best marathons
"Hard to justify keeping one of the world's most renowned marathons off the list."
The Boston Marathon didn’t make USA Today‘s list of best marathons in America, so we asked Boston.com readers if they agreed with the omission and most said no.
Of the 98 readers who responded to our informal poll, 77% said the Boston Marathon should have made the list, 20% said it shouldn’t have, and 3% said that they weren’t sure.
This year’s Boston Marathon will take place on April 20.
Ahead, find out what readers are saying about USA Today‘s list of best marathons sans Boston.
Yes! The Boston Marathon should have made the list.
“That’s just USA Today trying to get clicks. Detroit — come on!! On top of the most iconic marathon with actual qualification standards, you have Patriots Day, reenactment on the Lexington Green, and the only MLB game with an a.m. start.” — Mike P. from the North End
“It is the oldest and known by the world as the most prestigious to run by everyone. It requires a tough age group time standard to be officially entered to it. Heartbreak Hill and the City of Boston makes it a bucket list marathon for all marathoners and there’s the renowned finishers Unicorn Medal.” — Tom L. from Haverhill
“The crowds are amazing and the vibes of the whole day are elite with Patriots Day and the game at Fenway, etc. Plus its history is the best of any of the others.” — Susan from Bedford
“Hard to justify keeping one of the world’s most renowned marathons off the list. No other marathon holds the prestige that Boston does and I highly doubt top tier runners boast about winning or competing in the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Only the best run Boston…..and Boston runs on Dunkin!” — Narin S. from Watertown
“I’ve run 21 marathons, including Big Sur, Flying Pig, 6 Bostons, Chicago and New York. Boston and New York are 2 of the greatest sporting events on the planet. Period. Flying pig sucked other than the medal. Big Sur is gorgeous but it’s a small race with everything on a small scale. If you haven’t heard 10,000 people scream as you turn right on Hereford and left on Boylston, you have no idea. The only thing close to Boston’s finish is New York’s start.” — Reese W. from Chula Vista, Calif.
“Boston, New York City, and Chicago marathons are in a league of their own. All World Majors. Nothing can compare to Boston from its course, history and amazing crowds. I have run Detroit which is an excellent well organized marathon but it’s not on par with Boston, NYC, or Chicago.” — Peter M. from southern Maine
“I have run 20 marathons, including The Flying Pig in Cincinnati and none could beat Boston. Yes, the course is difficult, but that is what a marathon is all about. Surprisingly one of my best memories of Boston is boarding the buses on the Common to ride to the race. While in line I met runners from around the country and the world, not something you get in your typical marathon. The organization is great, the crowds are big. Nothing, nothing beats the Scream Tunnel! Lastly, every marathon (except Boston) wants to be a BQ (Boston Qualifier).” — Michael F. from Swampscott
“I figure I have one marathon left in me. If that’s the case, then I would want it to be Boston. Tough to enter, sure. Tough hills, yup. Tough weather, who knows? But I want to go right on Hereford, left on Boylston, and know that I ran Boston.” — Charlie S. from Providence
“When the word marathon is spoken, the word Boston immediately comes to mind.” — Caren, formerly of Dorchester
“You have to qualify or run for charity. It is on the harder side as marathons go. And it is ICONIC.” — Abe from Somerville
No, there are better marathons
“The Boston Marathon has gotten so elitist. It’s very far from top 10.” — Michaela from Boston
“If being the oldest qualifies something for being the best, Boston would also have one of the top ten subways in the world. But we don’t.” — Anonymous reader signed “Boston Cynic.”
“Too commercial.” — J. from Framingham
“Boston is not on this list because it’s become more about raising money than working hard to get that one bib in a lifetime. Unfortunately it’s pay to play now, sell enough Girl Scout cookies and you can walk most of the course. Qualified runners, amateur, and pro alike are turned away to make it a participation event. It’s the Faneuil Hall of races, a tourist trap so real runners avoid the cost and overcrowded field.” — Dennis from Boston
“It’s a boring route that barely goes through Boston. Nothing noteworthy other than it’s a historic route that seems to be outdated with the times.” — Anonymous reader from Boston
“Boston has morphed from an elite marathon with challenging qualification times, where it meant something just to qualify, to just another road race with all the appeal of a Boston Strong Fun Run.” — John S. from New Haven, Conn.
I’m not sure
“Abbott World Marathon Majors concept is an overblown money grab. It has put a damper on some really wonderful marathon experiences. Glad I experienced three of those before Marathon Majors became a thing.” — Paul L. from Albertson, N.Y.
“Not a marathoner but my daughter has ran the USMC Marathon in D.C. Let me say that as an attendee I found it particularly entertaining because of the course. I could see my daughter several times over the day simply by crossing the Potomac River when the electronic chip that all participants had would give me her location on my phone. Great Day.” — Peter from Dorchester
Do you think the Boston Marathon should have made the best marathons in America list?
Yes!
77%
No, there are better marathons.
20%
I'm not sure.
3%
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
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