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- The Herd | Edition 14
The Herd | Edition 14
The history of The Boston Marathon, hydration tips, and this year's Boston favorites.
The Herd | Edition No. 14
Welcome back to The Herd! It’s Boston Marathon weekend—arguably the most iconic race in the world—and whether you’re toeing the line in Hopkinton or cheering from afar, the energy is contagious. In this issue, we’re celebrating the magic of Boston and dialing in on hydration tips to help you stay strong from start to finish. Let’s lace up and dive in!
The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is the worldʼs oldest annual marathon, with a history that stretches back to April 19, 1897. Its creation was directly inspired by the marathon event at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. John Graham, a member of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and the manager of the inaugural U.S. Olympic team, was so moved by the Olympic marathonʼs spirit and grandeur that he returned home determined to establish a similar race in the Boston area. With the help of local businessman Herbert H. Holton, Graham mapped out a 24.5-mile course from Ashland to Boston, and on Patriotsʼ Day, fifteen runners lined up for the inaugural race. John J. McDermott of New York won that first Boston Marathon in 2:55:10, setting a precedent for what would become an iconic sporting event (1, 2, 3).
Over the years, the Boston Marathon evolved alongside the sport. In 1924, the course was lengthened to 26 miles, 385 yards to match the Olympic standard established in 1908, and the starting line was moved to Hopkinton. The marathon has grown from a local competition to a global spectacle, attracting elite athletes and recreational runners from all over the world. It has also been a pioneer in inclusivity, with women officially allowed to compete starting in 1972 and wheelchair divisions introduced in the 1970s (2). The eventʼs enduring popularity and its challenging, point-to-point course have made it a bucket-list race for runners everywhere. The Boston Marathon is also known for its fast times and historic performances. The fastest time ever run on the course was achieved by Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, who finished in 2:03:02 in 2011, shattering the previous course record by 57 seconds. However, due to the courseʼs point-to-point layout and net downhill elevation, the Boston Marathon is ineligible for official world record status. Despite this, Mutaiʼs performance remains one of the most remarkable in marathon history, further cementing the Boston Marathon’s reputation as a stage for extraordinary athletic achievement (4).
4. https://www.flotrack.org/articles/12399490-whats-the-fastest-time-in-boston-marathon-history-geoffrey-mutai-knows
Hydration Tips for Runners 💧
Water’s great, but smart hydration takes it a step further.
🚰 Start early – Don’t wait until you're thirsty. Aim to sip water throughout the day, especially leading up to a run.
🧂 Remember your electrolytes – Sweat doesn’t just take water—it takes sodium, potassium, and magnesium too. Replenish with sports drinks, electrolyte tablets, or foods like bananas, salted pretzels, or coconut water.
⏱️ Pre-run plan – Drink 8–16 oz of water 1–2 hours before your run. For runs longer than an hour, consider bringing hydration with you.
💦 During your run – If it’s hot or humid, hydrate every 20–30 minutes. Sports drinks can be helpful for longer or intense sessions.
🧃 Post-run priority – Rehydrate ASAP, especially after a sweaty effort. Try water with a pinch of salt and lemon, or grab a recovery drink with electrolytes.
💡 Pro tip – Weigh yourself before and after long runs. If you’ve lost more than 2% of your body weight, increase your fluid intake next time.
Boston Marathon 2025
Men’s Favorites:
Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia): The defending champion, Lemma returns after a dominant 2:06:17 win in 2024 and holds a personal best of 2:01:48. He aims to become the first Ethiopian man to win back-to-back Boston titles.
Evans Chebet (Kenya): A two-time Boston winner (2022, 2023) with a 2:03:00 personal best, Chebet is known for his tactical prowess on challenging courses. He remains a top contender for another victory in Boston.
John Korir (Kenya): Korir arrives in peak form after a 2:02:44 win at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. He’s considered a serious threat to the established Boston favorites.
Conner Mantz (USA): Mantz is the top American hope, coming off an Olympic Trials win and an eighth-place Olympic finish. He’s looking to break onto the Boston podium with a strong performance.
Women’s Favorites:
Hellen Obiri (Kenya): The two-time defending champion seeks a third straight Boston win, having mastered the course with a 2:21:38 personal best. Obiri’s tactical racing makes her the woman to beat.
Amane Beriso (Ethiopia): Beriso owns the fastest personal best in the field at 2:14:58. She’s a proven threat in major marathons and could challenge for the win if the race is fast.
Keira D’Amato (USA): D’Amato, with a 2:19:12 personal best, leads the American women. She’s consistently competitive in major marathons and is a strong podium contender.
That’s it for this week!
The Boston Marathon always reminds us what’s possible when passion, preparation, and persistence collide. Whether you're racing or training, don’t overlook the power of proper hydration—it could be the difference between hitting your stride or hitting a wall. Stay smart, stay fueled, and as always, keep chasing those finish lines! 🏁💧👟