The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon (est. 1897). Organized by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), it is a 26.2-mile road race running from Hopkinton, MA to Copley Square (finish on Boylston Street). The event attracts elite athletes and tens of thousands of mass-participants and international spectators; the B.A.A. also runs year-round community and youth running programs.