It’s Patriots' Day (read: Marathon Monday) here in New England and we are celebrating the 127th running of the Boston Marathon! A whopping 30,000 runners from over 100 countries are taking on the grueling 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. It’s an inspirational day, to say the least, especially when you watch the 6,000 runners representing 42 charities who aren’t your typical marathon runners putting everything they’ve got to reach the finish line. In honor of today, here are 5 top colleges for student-athlete runners:

1. Stanford University

Stanford is a world-renowned university with a great track and field program. The Cardinal men's team has won 13 NCAA championships, while the women's team has won 11. Stanford also boasts a number of Olympic athletes, including Allyson Felix, Maya DiRado, and Galen Rupp.

2. Princeton University

Princeton is another Ivy League school with a strong track and field program. The Tigers men's team has won 10 NCAA championships, while the women's team has won 9. Princeton also has a number of Olympic athletes, including Bill Rogers, Marty Liquori, and Mary Decker Slaney.

3. University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is known for its running program. The Ducks men's team has won 39 NCAA championships, while the women's team has won 24. Oregon is also home to the Nike World Headquarters, which gives its athletes access to some of the best training facilities in the world.

4. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is another Big Ten school with a notable track and field program. The Wolverines men's team has won 11 NCAA championships, while the women's team has won 9. Michigan also has a number of Olympic athletes, including Tommie Smith, Wilma Rudolph, and Jesse Owens.

5. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a public university with a well-respected track and field program. The Longhorns men's team has won 10 NCAA championships, while the women's team has won 8. Texas is also home to the Olympic Training Center, which gives its athletes access to some of the best training facilities in the country.

These are just a few of the many great colleges for running. When choosing a college, it is important to consider your academic and athletic goals, as well as the school's culture and location. With so many great options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect college for you. 

Good luck to all of the marathon runners today! If you know someone running, let us know below!

Cover photo credit: Boston Athletic Association