The culmination of the forty-second running of this iconic race, held on November 2nd, provided a snapshot of competitive long-distance running in that year. Data from the event encompasses the finishing times and rankings of professional athletes, as well as the vast number of amateur participants. This data set typically includes details such as age group, gender, nationality, and qualifying times, offering a rich resource for statistical analysis.
These outcomes are significant for several reasons. They serve as a historical record of athletic achievement, allowing for comparisons across different years and providing insights into training methodologies and performance trends. The information is also invaluable for runners themselves, offering a benchmark against which to measure personal progress. Moreover, the data contributes to the broader understanding of human endurance and athletic potential. The 2008 race itself unfolded against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, adding a unique societal context to the event.