Readers react to the Boston Marathon not making a list of the best

Readers say

“It is difficult to justify keeping one of the most famous marathons in the world off the list.”

The Boston Marathon was not made USA TodayList of America’s Best Marathons So we asked Boston.com readers if they agreed with this omission, and most said no.

Of the 98 readers who responded to our informal poll, 77% said the Boston Marathon should have been on the list, 20% said it shouldn’t have been, and 3% said they weren’t sure.

This year’s Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on April 20.

Ahead, see what readers are saying USA TodayList of the best marathons sans Boston.

Yes! The Boston Marathon should have made the list.

“This is just USA Today trying to get clicks. DETROIT – C’mon!! In addition to the most popular marathon by actual qualifying standards, you have Patriots Day, the Lexington Green Stadium reenactment, and the only MLB game that starts in the morning.” — mike b. From the north end

“It’s the oldest and is known in the world as the most popular run by all. Official entry requires a challenging time standard for the age group. Heartbreak Hill and the city of Boston make it a bucket list marathon for all marathoners and there’s the famous Unicorn Medal.” — Tom L. From Haverhill

“The crowds are amazing and the atmosphere all day is special with Patriots Day, the game at Fenway, etc. Plus, its history is better than any other.” — Susan from Bedford

“It’s hard to justify keeping one of the world’s most famous marathons off the list. No other marathon has the prestige that Boston has, and I highly doubt top-tier runners can boast of winning or competing in the Flying Pig Cincinnati Marathon. Only the best race in Boston…..and Boston runs in Dunkin’!” — Narain S. From Watertown

“I’ve run 21 marathons, including the Big Sur, the Flying Pig, 6 Boston, Chicago and New York. Boston and New York are two of the greatest sporting events on the planet. Period. The Flying Pig sucked other than a medal. Big Sur is great but it’s a small race with everything on a small scale. If you don’t hear 10,000 people screaming while turning right at Hereford and left at Boylston, you have no idea. The only thing close to the Boston finish is the New York start. — Reese W. is from Chula Vista, California.

“The Boston, New York and Chicago Marathons are in a league of their own. All major world marathons. Nothing can compare to Boston with its course, history and amazing crowds. I’ve run the Detroit Marathon and it’s an excellent, well-organised marathon but it’s not on par with Boston, New York or Chicago.” — peter m. From southern Maine

“I’ve run 20 marathons, including The Flying Pig in Cincinnati and none of them have been able to beat Boston. Yes, the course is tough, but that’s what the marathon is all about. Surprisingly, one of my best memories of Boston is riding buses on the public road to go to the race. While in line I met runners from all over the country and the world, something you don’t get at your typical marathon. The organization is great, and the crowds are great. Nothing, nothing beats Marathon Scream Tunnel Finally, every marathon (except Boston) wants to be a BQ (Boston Qualifier).” — Michael F. From Swampscott

“I think I have one marathon left in me. If that’s the case, I want it to be Boston. It’s hard to get into, for sure. Tough hills, yeah. Rough weather, who knows? But I want to go right to Hereford, left to Boylston, and know I ran Boston.” — Charlie S. From Providence

“When the word marathon is said, the word Boston immediately comes to mind.” — Karen, formerly of Dorchester

“You have to qualify or run for charity. It’s on the harder side with the marathon. It’s special.” — Abby is from Somerville

No, there are better marathons

“The Boston Marathon has become very elitist. It’s a long way from the top 10.” — Michaela from Boston

“If being the oldest made you the best, Boston would also have one of the ten best subways in the world. But we don’t.” — The anonymous reader signed “Boston Cynic.”

“Very commercial.” — J. of Framingham

“Boston is not on this list because it has become more about raising money than working hard for a once-in-a-lifetime bib. Unfortunately, it’s now pay-to-play; sell enough Girl Scout cookies and you can walk most of the course. Qualified runners, amateurs, and pros alike are turned away to make it an event to participate. It’s Faneuil Race Hall, which is a tourist trap, so real runners avoid the cost and crowded field.” — Dennis from Boston

“It’s a boring road that barely passes through Boston. Nothing noteworthy except that it’s a historic road that seems outdated.” — An anonymous reader from Boston

“Boston has gone from an elite marathon with tough qualifying times, where qualifying meant something, to just another road race with all the appeal of a fun, solid Boston race.” — john s. From New Haven, Connecticut.

I’m not sure

“The Abbott World Marathon Majors concept is an over-the-top money grab. It has put a damper on some really great marathon experiences. I’m glad I got to experience three of those before Marathon Majors became a thing.” — paul l. From Albertsons, New York

“I’m not a marathon runner but my daughter ran the US Marine Corps Marathon in DC. Let me say that as an attendee I found it especially fun because of the course. I could see my daughter several times during the day once I crossed the Potomac River when she gave me the microchip that all participants had their location on my phone. Great day.” — Peter of Dorchester

Responses have been edited slightly for clarity.