[...] Coming from humble beginnings with just 18 participants in 1897, the Boston Marathon has evolved into a huge event for both professional and amateur runners, with its growth mirroring the rise of marathon racing as a mass phenomenon. For many casual runners, finishing a marathon has become a must-cross-off bucket list item, explaining the growth of events like the Boston Marathon. Especially over the past two decades, completing the marathon distance of 26.2 miles has become a symbol of endurance, perseverance and fighting spirit, its meaning extending far beyond pure athleticism. [...]