It's been 10 years since tragedy struck at the 2013 Boston Marathon

The GIST: Ten years after tragedy struck at the 2013 Boston Marathon, 30,000 participants will take on the world’s oldest annual marathon as they begin their 26.2-mile journeys this morning. Wicked strong, indeed.

The details: Boston, one of six World Marathon Majors, is considered by many to be the world’s most prestigious marathon, largely due to how difficult it is to qualify. The majority of participants have to meet a (very fast) qualifying time, meaning even amateur runners are among the speediest.

• As for the course, racers will cross through eight Massachusetts cities and towns, taking on surprisingly punishing downhills for much of the first half before heading for infamous Heartbreak Hill and then the finish line in downtown Boston.

Runners to watch: “The fastest and most decorated Boston Marathon…in race history,” features an incredibly deep women’s field, with Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, fresh off the third-fastest marathon finish in history last December, expected to lead the pack.

• And for the men, all eyes will be on the heavy favorite, world record holder and two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, as the Kenyan makes his Boston debut in search of his 13th career World Marathon Major career victory. On your mark, get set…