America-Firsters won’t like this much. In fact, they won’t like it at all. On a recent travel site’s list of the top sports events in the world (That would be TravelPulse.com’s list of the “seven best sporting events that you must travel to see at least once during your lifetime.”), the Boston Marathon was the sole U.S. listing. Yep, the only one.
We’re not arguing whether the Boston Marathon is one of America’s greatest sporting traditions. (It is.) But why doesn’t TravelPulse.com’s list include any other U.S. destinations? Sure, the World Cup, the Olympics and America’s Cup made the top seven, but those aren’t distinctly American events — despite the name of the famous yacht race, which is held in Bermuda.
Of course, that’s not to say Boston isn’t great. In fact, it’s known as “the most historic marathon in the world” and is “a vibrant gathering that puts citizen runners and the elite on the same course.” That’s why TravelPulse.com included the event on its recent list of the “seven best sporting events that you must travel to see at least once during your lifetime.”
“Runners weave amid throngs of supportive onlookers, and after the race concludes, the festivities continue throughout the city,” reads the write-up. “The Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park on race day. Also, in the weekend leading up to Patriots Day, you can attend parades, Revolutionary War reenactments and museum and pub tours.”
But that’s it. No other U.S. events. In fact, the rest of the list is rounded out by:
• The Tour de France: “The three-week stage race offers plenty of time to mix mornings viewing the cyclists cranking on pedals and nights exploring the streets of Paris or dozens of other French villages that host portions of the race that finishes along the Champs-Elysees.”
• Wimbledon: “The tourney lasts two weeks, so you’ll be able to squeeze in plenty of tennis and sightseeing, as well as tea times and strawberries and cream.”
• The British Open: “Put this oldie but goodie on your list especially when it’s taking place at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland … the birthplace of golf.”
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