The outcomes of the forty-second running of this iconic race, held in November of that year, represent a specific moment in time within the larger history of the event. This data set typically includes finishing times for all participants, from elite runners vying for top honors to the thousands of amateur athletes striving for personal bests. It often also encompasses details such as participant demographics, qualifying times, and split times at various points throughout the 26.2-mile course.
These records serve multiple purposes. They offer a historical snapshot of athletic achievement, allowing for comparisons across different years and identifying trends in performance. The information is valuable for runners themselves, offering a record of their accomplishments and a basis for tracking progress. From a broader perspective, the data provides insights into participation trends in long-distance running and contributes to the overall narrative surrounding this renowned athletic event. The 2008 race itself unfolded against a backdrop of both global and local events, impacting the race experience and potentially influencing the final outcomes.