A runner's reflection is shown in the rain at the finish line.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Monday reminded the region that there’s nothing like the Boston Marathon.
More than 30,0090 participants winded their way through the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street amid a throng of cheering fans. Heavy on the minds of many were the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, as 2023 marks 10 years since the tragedy.
On the women’s side, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri finished first in what was just the second marathon in which she ever competed. Her daughter was there to greet her at the finish line.
The Globe brought you live updates from an emotional day in Massachusetts from every spot on the Marathon course. Read on to see how the day unfolded.
Sights and sounds from the 2023 Boston Marathon
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There's nothing like Marathon Monday. (Olivia Yarvis/Globe Staff)
A number of celebrities and notables finished the race. Here’s a rundown.
2023 Boston Marathon live updates
Ten years after terror, Marathon Monday is still Boston’s pageant — 10:00 p.m.
By Mike Damiano
Under a gray sky and through intermittent rain, thousands of exuberant spectators shouted and cheered for hours Monday along the Boston Marathon route, from suburban Hopkinton to the Back Bay, encouraging runners to complete the grueling 26.2-mile course.
Despite the conditions — and the indelible memory of the Marathon bombing of 10 years ago — the mood at the finish line was jubilant.
Nearby, on the steps of the Boston Public Library, fans who flew in from Tanzania waved their country’s flag to honor a compatriot, Gabriel Geay, who would go on to finish second. When the winner of the women’s race, Hellen Obiri, crossed the finish line, she embraced her beaming daughter, and the crowd in the bleachers erupted in cheers.
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Fadumo Osman, an MIT student who moved to Boston in September, was near the finish line on Boylston Street, taking it all in. It was her first Marathon.
“I’m so happy to have witnessed this,” she said. “Literally, I love this town now.”
Dan Shaughnessy: Two of sport’s best were in town, but rain fell on their parade — 9:30 p.m.
One can make a case that the world’s two greatest athletes were both in Boston Monday, performing less than a half-mile from one another.
But our sloppy spring weather was the ultimate winner. New England’s April remains undefeated.
Kenyan superstar Eliud Kipchoge, the undisputed greatest marathoner of all-time, finished a disappointing sixth in the 127th Boston Marathon, logging the worst time (2:09:23) of his epic career. His countryman Evans Chebet was the winner for the second straight year.
Meanwhile, over at ancient Fenway Park (forever 15 years younger than our Marathon), Shohei Ohtani, the Babe Ruth of the 21st century, pitched two hitless innings and cracked a couple of singles but his mound start was cut short by car-wash rains that repeatedly stalled play in a 5-4 Angels victory over the Red Sox.
Amid the throngs of participants on Monday were some notable names. Here’s how the celebrities did in the Marathon. — 8:30 p.m.
One fun thing about the Boston Marathon is your average runner could be brushing shoulders with a hockey superstar or a history maker.
We’ve done our best to highlight all the notables who made it to the finish line. See them all here.
Martin Richard’s family and friends honor their loved one by finishing race 10 years after his death — 7:30 p.m.
Martin Richard's brother run the race in his memory
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Martin Richard died in the 2013 marathon bombings.
By Spencer Buell
Ten years after they lost a son, a brother, and a childhood buddy in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, family members and three third-grade classmates of Martin Richard ran the race together in his memory.
The scene was emotional on Boylston Street Monday as the runners representing Team MR8, the group fielded by the Martin Richard Foundation, each crossed the finish line roughly ten years after bombs exploded at the 2013 Marathon, killing three people including the 8-year-old.
“Running as a team really kept us going the whole way. It was a beautiful thing,” said Richard’s older brother Henry, who completed the Marathon for the first time last year, and crossed the finish line Monday with his brother’s name once again written in marker on his arm. “It’s a very emotional race for me, for my family, for my friends, for Martin’s friends.”
Dick Hoyt may be gone. His legacy? It was all over the race. — 6:50 p.m.
By Cam Kerry
The Hoyt family used to congregate along the finish line, boisterously cheering as the late Dick Hoyt pushed his brother, Rick, across the finish line at the Boston Marathon.
An iconic and inspiring father and son pair, Dick would push Rick, who has cerebral palsy, across the hilly course for 32 Boston Marathons. A bronze statue of the duo was erected in 2013 near the starting line in Hopkinton.
After Dick passed away in 2021, the Hoyt family remained committed to upholding their legacy.
Over 20 runners raced for Team Hoyt, a foundation devoted ‘to build the individual character, self-confidence, and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people inclusion in all facets of daily life’, per their website. Former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara repped Team Hoyt as he finished in 3:38.23.
“He said that I want to run for Team Hoyt because in 2011, when they were about to win the Stanley Cup going into game seven, he played a video of Dad and Rick before the seventh game. He credits my father and Rick for inspiring the 2011 Stanley Cup victory. That blew us away. He could have run for anybody - he could have ran for the Bruins foundation - but he chose us.”
Dick’s grandsons, Cam, Troy, and Ryan each completed the race to uphold their families commitment to the cause. The three would meet every Saturday at the Under Armour store on Boylston Street, running the course backwards before turning around and completing it again. After over 50 miles, trips to Chipotle next door solidified the already airtight bonds that the family shares.
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“When I’m running and I feel like I can’t do it, our motto is ‘Yes, you can!’ and I keep telling myself over and over again, yes, you can,” said Troy. “If my grandfather can push my uncle for 26.2 [miles], I can run that no problem, no excuses.”
The trio of grandsons did not trot side-by-side, yet were awestruck by the support that onlookers provided, cheering at the top of their voice.
“Seeing what my uncle Rick has done, he really changed the way that the world looks at people with disabilities,” said Cam.
Danny and Brian Connolly, a pair of brothers from Park City, Utah, and Murrieta, California, were one of two duos running for Team Hoyt.
Brian, 51, suffers from multiple sclerosis and can only move his left arm. Danny, 44, trains in park city, pushing his kids or 130-pound dog in the racing wheelchair to train for marathons.
In Brian’s first experience completing the Boston Marathon, the magnitude of the moment did not escape him.
“I want to jump up and do cartwheels, but I can’t,” said Brian. “That’s how I feel inside.”
“Rick said that when he used to run, it made him feel like his disability went away and I can relate to it because people are cheering us on, saying my name,” continued Brian. “It’s been an inspiration to run with Team Hoyt.”
Watch: Zdeno Chara weighs in on his speedy Marathon — 6:30 p.m.
Zdeno Chara can’t decide if running the Boston Marathon was harder than playing an NHL game
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Wrapped in a white-and-silver blanket 3½ hours after he began the race, Zdeno Chara was all smiles as he crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. (By Julia Yohe)
By Julia Yohe
The 6-foot-9-inch Zdeno Chara was hard to miss. As he barreled down the course, maintaining an eight-minute pace through much of the race, thousands of fans cheered for him.
Chara finished with a time of 3:38:23 and said he can’t decide which is harder: running a marathon or playing in a 60-minute hockey game.
“It depends on how you look at it,” Chara joked. “There’s always some very hard games and runs in the playoffs, but this is obviously something different and I’ve never done before, so I’m very honored to be part of such a historical race and be a part of the community.”
Watch: Scaroni, Hug take wheelchair titles — 6:15 p.m.
Marcel Hug sets course record, Susannah Scaroni overcomes loose wheel in winning Boston Marathon
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Marcel Hug broke his own course record and Susannah Scaroni overcame a loose wheel that forced a brief stop for a repair as they won the men’s and women’s wheel (Courtesy of B.A.A. and ESPN/WCVB)
By Ethan Fuller
Marcel Hug broke his own course record and Susannah Scaroni overcame a loose wheel that forced a brief stop for a repair as they won the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions of the Boston Marathon on Monday.
Hug, a six-time Boston Marathon champion, shattered his previous 1:18.04 record set in 2017 with a 1:17.06 time in the men’s wheelchair race.
Hug had a chance to break the record in 2021 and win a $50,000 bonus, but took a wrong turn. He still won the race, but missed out on the prize. He did not compete in 2022 because of medical reasons.
“I’m just so, so happy with the race today. It was difficult in these conditions, especially with the rain, but I’m happy I was prepared for rain. Everything went perfect,” Hug said.
Scaroni, after years of finishing near the front, won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:41.45. Scaroni had to pull over early in the race to fix a loose wheel but forged ahead. She was leading by more than 20 minutes at the 20-mile mark.
Scaroni won both the Chicago and New York City Marathons for the first time in 2022. She previously finished second in the Boston Marathon both last year and in 2018, and in third place three other times.
“It was pretty emotional. Every single time I’ve done this course, it has been in different conditions. Every race has been just as difficult as the one before it,” Scaroni said. “I always give everything I have and I know everyone else is doing so also. So this is extra special.”
Most runners were too focused on keeping pace to be tempted with a mid-race pastry, but finally a runner named Michael cut across the road to devour the doughnut while still running — much to the delight of the video taker, who gleefully ran alongside him while he chowed down. The video has amassed more than 90,000 views.
On Monday, a marathon. On Saturday, a wedding. — 5:50 p.m.
By Chris Huffaker
Katie Glenn, 25, ran a sub-3-hour marathon on Monday and gets married on Saturday — at a church, Boston College’s St. Ignatius, that you run past on the course.
“It was pretty fun,” she said. “There were weeks where I was really happy and excited for the marathon training and hated the wedding stuff. And then there were weeks where I wnated to do the wedding stuff and hated the marathon training.”
The marathon training took more of her time, she said, and probably more of her stress too, but she recommends the combination.
“It’s two big things you’re working toward,” she said. “It kind of was nice to have them in parallel, getting ready to get married and getting ready to run this long race.”
She had one recommendation, though — don’t have the marathon too soon before the wedding, because of the taper, where you reduce your weekly mileage in the couple of weeks before the race so you can run on fresh legs. (The taper worked: she was able to dramatically speed up near the finish and hit her goal of finishing in under three hours.)
“This was the most chaotic time, in terms of the wedding, and I couldn’t run and de-stress,” she said. “Now I can finally be like, okay, it’s my wedding... We’ll see if I recover okay and can still dance and everything.”
Doug Flutie pulls through to raise money for his foundation — 5:30 p.m.
By Cam Kerry
Doug Flutie hadn’t run while training for the Boston Marathon in six weeks, nursing a pulled hamstring and a strained groin suffered in men’s league hockey.
The former NFL and Boston College quarterback finished the Boston Marathon in 05:46.57. After growing up in Natick, Flutie’s life experiences propelled him to the finish line. From playing baseball and softball in Hopkinton and Ashland to rivalries with neighboring towns and fond memories of time spent in Natick, Boston College, and Wellesley, Flutie knows every inch of the road.
”With two miles to go, I knew that I could walk it home from there if I had to,” said Flutie. “The emotion starts hitting you - when you realize that you’re going to finish and you turn that corner and see the finish line, it’s an overwhelming feeling.”
The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism raised over $350,000 and had 25 people run for the cause, which is an official charity of the Boston Marathon. The cause, which he started after his son was diagnosed with autism, remains close to Flutie’s heart and gave him the strength to trot down Boylston Street swollen with pride.
”I have this image of myself that I’m this small town guy and we’re just going to do a little foundation in our community,” said Flutie. “It all exploded because [when] I was in Buffalo, I became the starter. It’s one of the things that I’m most proud of in my life is the success that we’ve had with the foundation and people that we’ve helped.”
Brock Holt goes the distance to raise money for Dana-Farber — 4:50 p.m.
Former Red Sox utilityman Brock Holt said his legs were shaky after completing his first marathon run in 5:46:47. He never ran more than 12 miles in training, but went the grueling distance on Monday.
”My pace was... not too quick. I wasn’t trying to break any records today,” he said.
The 34-year-old finished a few minutes ahead of former Sox teammate Ryan Dempster, though Dempster started 30 minutes later. Holt ran with his wife, Lakyn, to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
”We love Boston, everything about it, because our time here was the best of my career,” he said. “We’ve built so many relationships with people at the Jimmy Fund, and whenever I decided I wasn’t going to play, [I thought] let’s try and do something to raise a little money and stay involved. We plan on staying involved as much as we can.”
Martin Richard’s brother, friends cross the finish line in triumphant moment — 4:45 p.m.
Ten years after they lost a childhood friend in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, some of Martin Richard’s third-grade classmates ran the Boston Marathon.
Nolan Cleary, Ava O’Brien, and Jack Burke — a trio of friends who planned for years to run together once they were eligible to do so — are representing Team MR8, a group fielded by the Martin Richard Foundation, which over the past decade has raised more than $6 million for children’s causes.
‘It was a great day in Boston:’ Marathon runner helped across finish line by fellow athletes — 4:40 p.m.
By John Hilliard
During the last leg of Monday’s Boston Marathon, spectators along Boylston Street were treated to a dramatic scene of sportsmanship — a runner, struggling to complete the road race, was helped across the finish line by two of her fellow athletes in a scene captured by television cameras.
One of those good samaritans — John Renken, a 55-year-old runner from Claremont, Calif. — said the woman was determined to complete the race, and he was focused on making sure she did.
“We just offered to help her,” Renken said. “She was strong, she wanted to finish very badly.... she was very inspired.”
Renken had just made the final turn onto Boylston Street, and he could see a fellow runner — a woman from Cambridge — begin to have trouble. The response from fellow runners was immediate, he said in a brief phone interview after the race.
“We’re all struggling, and she was struggling. So I just went over” to help, Renken said. Another man and a second woman also stepped in to assist the runner.
As they ran, Renken said fellow athletes offered to help, and encouraged the runner to keep going and finish the marathon.
“That’s just the spirit of the marathon and running in Boston,” Renken said. “There were a lot of kind people who were right there.”
As they helped the woman get to the end of the race, they offered up encouraging words. One person said, " ‘Can you see the finish line? Keep focused on that,’” Renken recalled.
He said the woman talked about how hard she had worked to qualify for the marathon, and she wanted to finish the race.
From the sidelines, spectators also cheered her on, Renken said.
“The people were wonderful, the fans were cheering for her. Everyone was cheering,” Renken said. “She felt it, it really helped her. They brought her home — the people from Boston brought her down that last stretch.”
After they completed the race, the woman was taken to the medical tent, Renken said. He praised the swift response by the marathon’s medical team to help her.
“They were right there,” he said.
Renken downplayed his role in helping the runner complete the race: “If I wasn’t there, there would have been 100 runners behind me who would have done the same thing. That’s the running community.”
Monday’s race was Renken’s ninth Boston Marathon, he said, but being able to help another athlete made it the most special race of them all.
“It was the highlight of my day. It gave today’s run purpose in my life,” he said. “It was a great day in Boston.”
Green Line snarled but open — 4:30 p.m.
A disabled train at Boylston caused major backups for a while. Police said the disabled train cleared about 20 minutes ago and everyone on that train has already passed by. There’s a huge clog of people trying to board trains, but that’s normal big event crowd control problems. — Chris Huffaker
For Matt Brown and Lucas Carr, no many how many times you cross that finish line, it still means the world — 4:15 p.m.
By Matty Wasserman
Matt Brown and Lucas Carr are nine-year veterans of the Boston Marathon, but crossing the finish line serves as an emotional experience and feeling of triumph every year — no matter how many times they’ve done it before.
Brown, a former Norwood High School student who was paralyzed from the neck down during a hockey game in 2010, was pushed along Monday’s course via wheelchair by Carr, a former Army Ranger and Boston firefighter.
“The day doesn’t get old,” Brown said. “Obviously, the elements might change year to year. We’ve done it in great weather. We’ve done it in crappy weather. But it’s just awesome to come out and take on Boston with 30,000 other runners that want to do the same.”
The Matt Brown Foundation was established in 2020 to raise money and support others with severe spinal cord injuries, and has raised over $125,000 since launch.
Carr said the important cause and Brown’s strength is what motivates him to continue training and preparing for the race each year.
“I get to help put [the cause] on the map,” Carr said. “The Brown foundation shirt, and being there for him and everyone else going through this, is what really keeps it special to me.”
And while Monday’s 10th anniversary of the Marathon bombing was a somber anniversary for many runners, it also served as a humbling reminder of the progress Brown has made over the past decade.
The duo’s first Boston Marathon was in 2012, Brown couldn’t partake in the 2013 event because of his struggling condition — meaning Carr ran it by himself. But with nine Boston Marathons completed together, the inspiring pair is hopeful to continue racing and raising more money for the foundation for many years to come.
“10 years ago, Matt wasn’t here,” Carr said. “And today, we’re both here together and thinking of the families of those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. That’s who is in our hearts today, and Matt as well and him continuing to keep going … and now, it’s on to the next one.”
Honeymoon? For this couple, it’s a “running moon” — 4:00 p.m.
By Sarah Barber
Marion Jeanne and Tom De Bruyn crossed the finish line of the 127th Boston Marathon in a unique fashion – opting for bride-and-groom race outfits instead of typical running attire.
The triathlete couple from California were married just last week, and are spending their honeymoon as a “running moon,” they told WCVB.
In October, De Bruyn was the 35-39 age group champion of the Kona Ironman. The idea for the “running-moon” came as a by-product of De Bruyn’s intensive training for the competition, much of which Jeanne joined,” they told the TV station.
The rigor of the training allowed both of them to qualify for Boston, celebrating their love by doing what they love. The couple completed the race in 3:13:48 and 3:13:49, holding hands as they crossed.
“It was incredible, maybe 100,000 people said congratulations today,” De Bruyn told WCVB.
Eliud Kipchoge issues statement on disappointing finish — 3:45 p.m.
“I live for the moments where I get to challenge my limits. It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height. I want to congratulate my competitors and thank everyone in Boston and from home for the incredible support I am so humbled to receive. In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge. Excited for what’s ahead.”
What’s harder: 60 minutes of hockey or the Marathon? Zdeno Chara can’t decide. — 3:20 p.m.
By Julia Yohe
Wrapped in a white and silver blanket three and a half hours after he began the race, Zdeno Chara was all smiles as he crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon.
“It was great. [There were] some ups and downs — it’s an incredibly difficult course,” Chara said.
Zdeno Chara couldn't be missed at the finish line.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The former Bruins captain ran his first marathon Monday afternoon in support of both The Hoyt Foundation and The Thomas E. Smith Foundation.
The Hoyt Foundation, founded in 1989 by Dick Hoyt and his son, Rick, aims to “build the individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem of America’s disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life; including in family and community activities, especially sports, at home, in schools, and in the workplace.”
Similarly, The Thomas E. Smith Foundation looks to “better the lives of those affected by and living with paralysis through financial and emotional support, as well as supporting preventive innovations that decrease the risk of spinal cord injuries.”
“Dick and Rick Hoyt made an incredible impact on millions of people worldwide and personally helped to motivate us to our 2011 Stanley Cup Championship,” Chara said before the race. “The Hoyt Foundation has an amazing legacy with the B.A.A. and this iconic marathon. Tom Smith is one of the most resilient and inspiring stories. With his passion and dedication, his foundation continuously helps those affected by and living with paralysis.”
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Bruins legend is hard to miss. As he barreled down the 26-mile stretch between Hopkinton and Boylston Street, holding an eight-minute pace through much of the course, hundreds of fans cheered him on from the sidelines.
Chara finished the race with a time of 3:38:23. Though he admits that running a marathon is no easy feat, he can’t decide which is harder: this, or playing in a 60-minute hockey game.
“It depends on how you look at it,” Chara joked. “There’s always some very hard games and runs in the playoffs, but this is obviously something different and I’ve never done [it] before, so I’m very honored to be part of such a historical race and be a part of the community.”
Return of Bleacher Creatures — 3:01 p.m.
By Spencer Buell
When Monday’s Patriots Day Red Sox game at Fenway park was delayed not once, but twice for rain, some fans apparently opted to make the most of the soggy situation.
While they waited for the delay to pass Monday afternoon, scores of shirtless spectators flocked to a section of the center field bleachers and were spotted chanting and partying as the droplets fell.
One fan decided to kick things up a notch, and as TV cameras rolled he was seen chugging a beverage out of a gray Converse sneaker.
DraftKings podcaster Jared Carrabis shared a video clip from Monday’s broadcast, and compared the scene to the famously chaotic Woodstock ‘99 music festival.
Woodstock ‘99 is happening in the centerfield bleachers at Fenway Park right now. pic.twitter.com/imubMLIg74
Perhaps he was channeling Marathoner Des Linden, who famously chugged champagne out of one of her running shoes after finishing first in Boston in 2018.Or maybe this is the start of a new, and somewhat unsanitary trend taking hold at the historic ballpark. A video compilation was circulating on Twitter earlier Monday of fans in Sox gear slurping beers out of shoes over the weekend.
Move over Sweet Caroline, Fenway Park may have sparked a new tradition at the ballpark over Boston Marathon weekend...
11:45 a.m.: Brandy Vanloo was standing atop Heartbreak Hill, in a light drizzle, waiting for her fiancée, Ryan Beck, to run by. He’s spent years trying to get here, qualifying for the 2020 race, which was cancelled, then missed the cutoff by half a second last year. “This is the crown jewel,” Vanloo said. “He’s been running his whole life and finally got here. We walked by the finish line yesterday and I got emotional.”
Noon: The road has suddenly become thick with runners as the pros give way to the amateurs. Janice Bingham of Newton was cheering them all the same, something she’s done for 40 years, mostly from the same spot. “This is a goal for so many of them. To run up Heartbreak Hill. That’s an accomplishment and it’s important to be here and support them and say ‘You did it! You did it! And now it’s mostly downhill.”
12:13 p.m.: We had the first of two landmarks that will come: first person in headphones, a woman wearing white Apple earbuds. Soonish we’ll see the next line: The first people walking.
12:40 p.m.: Sophia Glazer, a senior at Tulane, happened to be home in Newton for a family event and was happy to see the marathon again. “It’s always so inspiring to come to Heartbreak Hill and see the culmination of all this hard work. I get emotional. You see so many generations cheering and it means so much more after the bombing.”
2:20 p.m.: A downpour came through and cleared out most of the fans atop Heartbreak Hill, but now the rain has passed, and people are returning from cars to cheer on the thickest part of the pack. Heartbreak seems to be a before and after moment on the run/walk line. You see a lot of people who clearly have told them selves they are not gonna stop till they get to the top, and then the second they reach the top they start walking. From here to Boylston, it’s almost entirely downhill, so there’s a relief in catching your breath and knowing that the Newton hills are behind you.
Eliud Kipchoge won’t speak to media today — 2:53 p.m.
Kipchoge finished sixth in the men’s elite race in 2:09.23, over three minutes behind winner Evans Chebet, after he fell off the pace around the 18th mile. He will release a statement later today and participate in a press conference Tuesday morning. Kipchoge was the presumptive favorite to win and had won 15 of 17 career marathons before Boston.
At the Wellesley scream tunnel, big cheers for their track coach — 2:38 p.m.
By Hannah Nguyen
Members of the Wellesley College cross country and track & field teams were out supporting their coach, Phil Jennings, who is running the marathon for the first time.
“Phil, I put money on this so you better win,” one sign said.
The team waited for Jennings to reach his 12th mile. When he finally met up with the team, they ran down the course with him, following as he made his way through Wellesley.
For Claire Anderson, a senior at Wellesley and member of the cross country team, it’s her third time attending the marathon.
”It’s especially fun to be on the cross country team right now because I feel like everybody at the school is excited about running,” Anderson said.
Gabriel Geay is one of their own, and they came from Tanzania to watch a stunning finish — 2:30 p.m.
By Michael Silverman
On the steps of an office building behind the finish line, a throng of 30 jubilant flag-wrapped Tanzanians exulted with a serenade of high-energy songs and chants in the second-place men’s finish of Gabriel Geay (2:06:04).
Benjamin Fernandes explained the joyous display.
”He’s the eighth-fastest man in the world for marathon history and he’s Tanzanian, so us, as Tanzanians, we usually don’t have people who run a lot and are out there, so this is a big deal for us as a country,” said Fernandes, who flew in with others from Dar el Salaam to Boston to cheer on Geay, who shares the eighth-fastest marathon time (2:03:00) of all time with the Kenyan he finished behind, Boston Marathon repeat winner Evans Chebet.
”We were with him last night and we were surprised, because he wasn’t feeling so well last night, he had a little bit of a fever and a headache and was texting ‘til two in the morning,” said Fernandes. “And he was like, ‘I’m nervous.’ So, to see him come in second was phenomenal.”
Former Tanzanian elite marathoner Juma Ikangaa finished second at Boston in three consecutive years, beginning in 1988.
”Last year (Geay) finished fourth, this year second,” said Fernandes. “So we’re hoping next year he comes back to win it.”
Why was this man in a bald eagle suit? He has a good reason — 2:20 p.m.
By John Hilliard
Most people were dressed for a day in the rain, with hoodies and umbrellas. But spectator Steve Fama made a unique sartorial choice Monday — a bald eagle costume, complete with an oversized head and beak.
Fama, 49, a manager at the Back Bay Post Office, said he was wearing the costume as part of a recruitment drive for the post office at the starting line. The suit was a good pick for the chilly, wet day — he couldn’t feel the rain until he took the head off. So far, plenty of people wanted to take a picture with him in the suit.
Evan Williams, left, hams it up with the US Postal Service Eagle at the starting line before the start of the 127th Boston Marathon. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Shortly after 10 a.m., he was still waiting for colleagues to join him.
”I was supposed to have people with me,” Fama said. “But I turn around and they’re not here.”
The eagle costume is owned by the post office, he said, and he has worn it at other recruitment drives in the past. He was once asked to wear the suit, and he has stuck with the responsibility ever since.
”They were like, ‘We’re having a hiring event. Want to be the eagle?’ And I said, sure that’s fine,” Fama said.
Monday was Fama’s first Marathon, and he thinks he’ll return.
”It’s definitely fun, especially when you see the world-class runners up close. Oh my God, those guys are running so fast,” he said. “It’s a good time.”
Zdeno Chara lumbers through the course and to the finish line — 2:10 p.m.
By Julia Yohe
Zdeno Chara is hard to miss.Hundreds of fans watched in awe as the 6-foot-9, 250 pound Bruins legend came barreling down the 26.2 mile course. He maintained an eight-minute pace through much of the race, and finished in under 3:40.
You won the Stanley Cup, you're rich, and you're retired. Some would put their feet up. Zdeno Chara is running the Boston Marathon. https://t.co/x5f3odeNbh
The last thing Darcy Dewey said this morning before getting on the bus was to have her cab ready at the finish — so her family is prepared. They’ll have a bottle ready at the finish, they said.
”She likes her wine,” said Dewey’s sister, Dawn Nicholas.
Darcy Dewey's family made this signCourtesy
”She’s just fancy and fun,” said Becca Dewey, Dewey’s wife.
It’s not the first time at the Boston Marathon for the family — Dewey used to support Nicholas when she ran the race. But Dewey, 60, of Grand Haven, Michigan, began running about a decade ago after surviving breast cancer. She overheard a man saying he didn’t start running until he was 49, Becca said, and decided to start herself. Becca was hoping she would inspire others to start running at that same age.
”It’s the circle of 49,” she joked.
She’s happy to be here — 1:53 p.m.
By Brittany Bowker
Fadumo Osman, an MIT student who moved to Boston from New York in September, was at the finish line cheering on friends. It’s her first Marathon Monday.
”I’m so happy to have witnessed this. Literally I love this town now.”
These spectators came prepared — 1:30 p.m.
By Christopher Huffaker
It was hours before their family members were set to reach the finish, but some of the most prepared visitors from around North America were already situated along the last two-tenths of a mile of the course, with camp chairs, umbrellas and ponchos at the ready.
Wendy McMaster of Taylor, Michigan, expects to be out for half a day, having secured a spot to watch her brother Jerry Mullins and sister-in-law Julie Mullins, of Dallas, Oregon, run their first Boston Marathon together. Both have qualified before, but have never been able to run it before.
”Today they’re literally living their dream,” McMaster said, who is here with a contingent of 8. “It gives me goosebumps.”
McMaster, who has cheered on her family at other races before, was ready for the rain that started falling harder at 10 a.m.
Annie Drapeau, currently of Winnipeg, was out in support of her husband, Olivier Robidoux, along with Robidoux’s family. Olivier, running his third official marathons, with a goal of less than 2 hours and 45 minutes. For Robidoux’s parents and sister, this is their first time seeing him race, but Drapeau has been to his races before.
”This is the one we’re most prepared for,” Drapeau said. “It’s about deciding your expectations of where you want to see them, not trying to to multiple stops because I don’t think you really have the time.”The family had ponchos and chairs, and had picked a spot near a Starbucks.
”We know it’s going to be a long wait, but we’ll get to see the professional, elite athletes as well,” Drapeau said. “With Eliud Kipchoge today, I think a lot of people are excited to see him run, and see the winner from last year.”
Cristian Alorcan traveled from Mexico City to see his wife Fernanda Romo run Boston for the first time — at a difficult moment in her life.
”She lost her mother in January, so she’s dedicating it to her,” Alorcan said. “I just want her to have a great time, enjoying the city, enjoying the environment, and dedicating it to her mother.”Alorcan said you can never really be prepared for a marathon.
”You just have to cope with the elements of the weather, and be around for your loved ones,” he said.
Why he keeps showing up for the wheelchair athletes — 1:20 p.m.
By Hannah Nguyen
Bob Chicoski, 54, stands in the same spot on the top of the hill in Wellesley every year to support the wheelchair athletes.”The wheelchair racers have a hard time [on this hill], and there’s not usually a lot of people here to cheer them on and walk with them,” Chicoski said.
And this year, he was able to make a direct impact on one in particular.
As a racer came down the hill, he began fiddling with his chain. Chicoski jumped the fence to help the racer out.”[The chain] came off, and I didn’t know what to do,” Chicoski said. “I saw some people kind of hesitate and I just jumped the fence.”
The racer, in distress, told Chicoski he felt like he was falling apart.
”I was like, ‘You’re doing great, keep it up,’” Chicoski said. “He’s just an inspiration.”
It was the simple thing to do — step over the fence to help the racer out, despite not knowing how, Chicoski said.
Many people come to the marathon to see the runners, but not so much the wheelchair racers, he said. And especially on a rainy day, the hill on Wellesley is desolate.
”They can really use your help at this particular spot because it’s so steep, and they worked so hard to get to the hill and then it’s downhill after that,” Chicoski said. “They just need a little inspiration.”
Despite his tough moment, the racer had a smile on his face indicating his perseverance, and the help Chicoski gave him was another reason to keep pushing forward.
”I wish No. 32 the best,” Chicoski said. “I’d love to meet him someday.”
Someone get Emma Bates a beer — 12:50 p.m.
Emma Bates, the top American woman finisher, placed fifth in her first Boston Marathon.
”It was a good first Boston, so I’m very proud of myself for sticking out there,” she said after the race. “All I was thinking about for those last 4 miles was just to float.”
Bates hung with the leaders through Mile 24 before she faded back. But she was pleased with her performance.
”I was hoping someone would have a Modelo for me at the finish line, but that didn’t happen, so gonna find one of those pronto.”
Hellen Obiri used a spirited last-mile surge to win the women’s elite race in 2:21:38, triumphing in just her second marathon ever. Obiri, from Kenya, finished sixth in New York in November. She is a two-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 5K, but making this type of distance leap to marathon success is remarkable.
American Emma Bates hung with the leaders until around Mile 24, when she faded back and ended up with a fifth-place finish.
Bates — who resides in Boulder, Colorado — lived and trained in Boston from 2015-17 with the BAA Elite team. Though Monday was her first time racing formally on the Boston course, she previously trained on the back-half of the route during her time with BAA.
Bates previously won the USA Women’s Marathon Championships in 2018, and finished second at the Chicago Marathon in 2021 — her only top-three finish at a major prior to Monday.
Bates entered Monday with the 21st-best personal record among the women’s field, with her previous top time of 2:23.18 coming in a 7th-place finish at the 2022 World Championships.
Four runners, one more mile — 12:03 p.m.
It’s going to be a thrilling dash to the finish of the women’s elite race. The four in contention: Lonah Salpeter (Israel), Hellen Obiri (Kenya), Amane Beriso (Ethiopia), and Ababel Yeshaneh (Ethiopia).
Emma Bates remains in fifth just behind the lead group, but it might be too late for a final surge from the American.
Yeshaneh was right in the center of the lead pack around the 23rd mile when she ran out of room and fell. Yeshaneh quickly recovered and returned to the group, and is among the five runners at the front after 24 miles. She finished second in the 2022 Marathon.
Women’s lead pack fighting to the finish — 11:53 a.m.
Six runners still have a shot at winning the Marathon after hitting 23 miles in 2:05:13. Included in the group are Ethiopian Amane Beriso, who holds the third-fastest marathon time ever, and American Emma Bates, who continues to be front and center in the pack.
For Eliud Kipchoge, Boston ends in disappointment — 11:47 a.m.
Much of the fanfare around this race surrounded the first appearance of Eliud Kipchoge on the streets of Boston, as the world’s greatest marathoner took on the sport’s most prestigious race. But it was far from a fairy tale for the Kenyan, who looked typically relaxed out front for the first 17 miles until Newton’s famous hills intervened.
Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay made a big surge to break open a seven-man pack at Mile 18, and Kipchoge suddenly looked mortal, not only losing ground to Geay but falling away from the chase pack, too. Evans Chebet, Benson Kipruto, John Korir, and Albert Korir eventually reeled Geay back in by the time Heartbreak Hill arrived, but Kipchoge was only moving backward.
The two-time Olympic medalist never recovered, even when things flattened out after Boston College, as another move from Chebet at Mile 21 broke the race open again with Kipchoge trailing by close to a minute. While Chebet completed a second glorious run down Boylston Street, claiming his second straight title, Kipchoge was still suffering in sixth down Commonwealth Avenue.
It’s only the second significant disappointment over 26.2 for Kipchoge, the world-record holder who had won 15 of 17 career marathons, looking largely invincible every time. He ambled home in sixth, finishing in 2:09:23, his slowest career run.
Evans Chebet wins Boston Marathon — 11:43 a.m.
Evans Chebet has won his second straight Boston Marathon, finishing in 2:05:54 for the third-fastest time in race history.
This is Chebet’s third major marathon win, his first being Boston last year, where he ran 2:06:51. He followed up that performance with a 2:08:41 time at the New York Marathon the following November. Chebet has been running professionally since 2011, but did not win his first marathon until 2019 in Buenos Aires, he previously ran Boston in 2018, but dropped out due to inclement weather.
He’s only the sixth man to win back-to-back titles in the open field.
Gabriel Geay finished second. Though Geay has yet to win a major, the 26-year-old from Tanzania has finished first in seven notable races, including the Peachtree Road Race in 2016 and the Bolder Boulder 10K in 2017. Last year, he placed fourth in the Boston Marathon and placed second in Valencia in December. With a personal-best of 2:03, Geay ranks in the top-10 for all-time in the marathon.
Benson Kipruto, who won the 125th Boston Marathon in 2021, finished in third place with a time of 2:06:06.
Kipruto, a 32-year-old from Kenya, trains with Evans Chebet, who broke free from the pack with two miles remaining. Kipruto won the 2022 Chicago Marathon in a time of 2:04.24, which was his personal best time.
Kipruto has also championed the 2018 Toronto Marathon (2:05.13) and the 2021 Prague Marathon (2:10.16).
Last mile update — 11:39 a.m.
The men’s last two champions are poised to battle it out. Evans Chebet and Benson Kipruto have rounded Kenmore Square and enter the final mile at 2:01.04. Gabriel Geay is three seconds back.
Kipruto bouncing back — 11:37 a.m.
Benson Kipruto, the men’s winner in 2021, had fallen to third, but has reignited and taken the lead from Evans Chebet and Gabriel Geay. The three continue to duel as they cross 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) in 1:59:14.
Geay challenging Evans’ repeat bid — 11:33 a.m.
Gabriel Geay, a 26-year-old runner from Tanzania, is toe-to-toe with defending champion Evans Chebet after 24 miles. Geay finished fourth in the Marathon last year.
Then there were three — 11:29 a.m.
Gabriel Geay and Evans Chebet have taken command of the men’s race, crossing 23 miles in 1:50:19. Benson Kipruto is two seconds back in striking distance.
Last two men’s champions dueling — 11:26 a.m.
Evans Chebet, 2022 Marathon winner, and 2021 winner Benson Kipruto are neck-and-neck with Gabriel Geay and John Korir, clocking in at 1:44:19 after 35 kilometers (21.75 miles). Eliud Kipchoge is well off the pace now in eighth place (1:45:32).
Will Eliud Kipchoge finish? — 11:25 a.m.
Kipchoge has won 15 of the 17 marathons he’s entered in his career. But he’s fading fast around 20 miles.
Two years ago, Kipchoge finished eighth in the London Marathon. Under COVID-19 protocols and on closed course competing only against elites, he struggled in rainy conditions.
Evans Chebet makes a big move — 11:20 a.m.
Defending champion Evans Chebet has blown the men’s race open just over Heartbreak Hill, breaking away from the field at Mile 21 by Boston College to thin out the pack to single file. Gabriel Geay, John Korir, and Benson Kipruto are still chasing as Chebet makes a strong bid to retain his title.
Women’s 25K (15.5 miles) update — 11:18 a.m.
American Emma Bates continues to hang with the top 11 runners, who crossed 25 kilometers in 1:24:39.
Kipruto leads group of five after 20 miles — 11:16 a.m.
Benson Kipruto, 2021 Marathon champion, leads the field after 20 miles in 1:35:53. Kipruto headlines a 5-runner group including 2022 champion Evans Chebet. Eliud Kipchoge is behind the pack in seventh (1:36.09).
As elite men hit the hills at Mile 18, frontrunner Kipchoge falls back — 11:11 a.m.
Eliud Kipchoge has faded slightly as the runners cross 18 miles. Kipchoge was among the lead seven runners but has slipped to several seconds behind the group — as Heartbreak Hill still looms.
Men’s lead pack down to seven — 11:08 a.m.
The front pack has shrunk to seven runners: Eliud Kipchoge, Gabriel Geay, Andualem Belay, John Korir, Albert Korir, Evans Chebet, and Benson Kipruto. They passed 30 kilometers in 1:29:23.
Women’s elite field thinning out at halfway point — 11:00 a.m.
Eleven runners have pulled away in the lead group. They crossed halfway in 1:11:29, led by Angela Tanui, Lonah Salpeter, Celestine Chepchirchir, and Hellen Obiri. Emma Bates is the lone American in the lead pack.
Men’s elite halfway update — 10:52 a.m.
Eliud Kipchoge leads at the Marathon’s halfway point in 1:02.19. He spearheads the same 11 runners who have stuck together for most of the race.
Susannah Scaroni breaks through for first title in women’s wheelchair — 10:49 a.m.
Susannah Scaroni, after years of finishing near the front, has captured the Boston Marathon women’s wheelchair victory in 1:41:45.
Scaroni, who resides in Tekoa, Washington, won both the Chicago and New York City Marathons for the first time in 2022. She previously finished second in the Boston Marathon both last year and in 2018, and in third place three other times.
Scaroni’s wheelchair appeared to be audibly squeaking in the wet conditions Monday, and her stoppage in Natick took just a few seconds as she applied tools to what appeared to be a loose wheel.
“This course is pretty bumpy and what that can mean sometimes is my axle can get a little loose,” she said.
Women’s 15K update — 10:42 a.m.
Amane Beriso, Gotytom Gebreslase, and Ababel Yeshaneh lead an 8-runner pack that surpassed 15 kilometers in 50:47. Several clusters of runners are still within striking distance, including leading American Emma Bates (51:05).
Men’s 20K update — 10:39 a.m.
The same 11 runners continue to stick together, and led by Eliud Kipchoge, crossed 20 kilometers in 59:01. Two Americans are in the lead pack: Conner Mantz and CJ Albertson.
Men’s elite 15K update — 10:24 a.m.
An 11-runner pack led by American Conner Mantz has separated from the field, crossing 15 kilometers in 43:56. Favorites Eliud Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto, and Evans Chebet are in the lead group.
Marcel Hug sets course record with win in men’s wheelchair — 10:20 a.m.
Marcel Hug breaks his own course record in a dominant 1:17.06 time to win the men’s wheelchair race. Hug, a 6-time Boston Marathon champion, shattered his previous 1:18.04 record from 2017.
Hug had a chance to break the record in 2021 and win a $50,000 bonus, but took a wrong turn. He still won the race, but missed out on the prize. He did not compete in 2022 due to medical reasons.
David Ortiz makes an appearance at the finish line — 10:10 a.m.
Red Sox legend David Ortiz, the grand marshall of the 2023 Boston Marathon, arrives at the finish line.
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug has dominated so far. Hug took the lead early and has led at every 5K and mile marker, cruising through 20 miles in 58:14. He leads the field by over six minutes. Jetze Plat and Daniel Romanchuk are battling for second, crossing 30 km in 1:00.55.
“Wake up, Boston” — 9:50 a.m.
By John Hilliard
At times on Monday morning, a light fog would roll in over the starting line in Hopkinton. A few days ago, the region was treated to gorgeous, summer-like weather. But this year’s Marathon Monday hung around a dismal 50 degrees, while a drizzle dripped down onto the hardy spectators who stood with hoods up, and hands jammed into their pockets.
A few times, race officials had to nudge the crowds to make some noise between groups of athletes in the marathon. Cheers would ring out when, say, the women’s elite runners took the field, and cell phones captured the scene.
Energy seemed a bit lower than past marathons — crowds remained thin at the start, and it was relatively easy to find a place close to the starting line to watch the race at nearly 10 a.m.
”Wake up Boston,” a man said in the crowd around 9:45 am.
”They’re out to lunch,” another man responded.
The women’s elite race is about to start. Here is a preview — 9:38 a.m.
In 2019, the fastest entrant for the women’s elite race was Ethiopia’s Aselefech Mergia with a personal best of 2:19:31. In 2023, eight women will hit the road in Hopkinton boasting better marks than that one, led by Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, whose stunning run in Valencia in December made her the third fastest woman in history at 2:14:58.
Three former women’s champions return: American Des Linden, Ethiopian Atsede Baysa, and the timeless Edna Kiplagat.
The men’s elite race is about to start. Here is a preview — 9:30 a.m.
There is no bigger headliner in distance running than Eliud Kipchoge. The accolades speak for themselves: two Olympic gold medals, a world record — 2:01:09 — that once seemed unthinkable, dominance at every major marathon outside of New York and Boston, four of the six fastest performances in history, a mind-boggling run of 1:59:40 at a special event in Vienna in 2019 that doesn’t count for record purposes, but remains one of the sport’s greatest achievements.
Kipchoge has long been the BAA’s biggest prize for its marquee race (getting his name above the dotted line was nicknamed “Project Eagle” internally), and he’s finally scheduled to answer the gun in Hopkinton on April 17.
Even for the most dominant marathoner in history, it’s no gimme. He’ll have six men with personal bests better than 2:05 for company, including a pair of 2:03:00 performers in defending champion Evans Chebet and Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay. Former winners Lelisa Desisa and Benson Kipruto will be tough outs, too.
Not meant as joke: super low energy at the start line. Crowds are still pretty thin, and it is quiet. It’s easy for someone to find a spot to stand near the start. Maybe it’s the crummy weather?
Tatyana McFadden and Manuela Schär have held an American-Swiss duopoly over the women’s wheelchair division, sharing the last nine titles between them. The two will be challenged by Susannah Scaroni, the fastest entrant in the field.
American Daniel Romanchuk and Switzerland’s Marcel Hug have won each of the last seven men’s wheelchair races and will be the favorites this year, too. Ten-time winner Ernst Van Dyk, historically dominant on this course from 2001 to 2014, will race Boston for the final time at age 50.
No credible threats directed: Law enforcement — 8:50 a.m.
By John Hilliard
Law enforcement agencies are not aware of any specific or credible threat directed at the Boston Marathon, Joseph Bonavolonta, the Special-Agent-in-Charge the FBI-Boston Division, told reporters about a half-hour before the race.
Bonavolonta and other law enforcement officials briefed reporters during a question and answer session on the Hopkinton Town Common, a short distance from the starting line.
He said the FBI is working with other agencies along the route, and is operating its joint intelligence center at its facility in Chelsea. He urged anyone who sees anything suspicious at the marathon to report it to law enforcement immediately.
Watch for the flyover soon — 8:40 a.m.
The 104th Fighter Wing from the Massachusetts National Guard will do a flyover on the Marathon route beginning around 8:55 a.m.
Why is there a robot dog in Hopkinton? For security. — 8:30 a.m.
By John Hilliard
In Hopkinton, members of the US Department of Homeland Security are operating a robot as part of the law enforcement presence at the start of the race, according to State Police Bomb Squad Commander Sergeant William Qualls.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
A second robot has been deployed in Brookline, Qualls told reporters during a briefing at the Hopkinton Town Common.
The robot, which was escorted by at least one member of the FBI, could be seen patrolling the area around the starting line. Someone nearby asked about its name -- an answer, perhaps jokingly, was “Cerberus”
We’re 40 minutes away from the start. Here are the times. — 8:20 a.m.
With rolling hills, flat terrains, suburban towns, and city streets, Boston Marathon runners see it all while navigating the 26.2-mile course each Marathon Monday.
The race starts on Route 135 in Hopkinton before it proceeds through relatively ground for the next 12 miles as runners go through the suburban towns of Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.
Why does the Boston Marathon start in Hopkinton? — 7:45 a.m.
By Khari Thompson
A short walk away from the Ashland commuter rail stop lies Marathon Park, where a blue sign with gold letters and the image of runners captured mid-stride stands to greet visitors.
“Ashland,” the sign reads. “It all started here.”
The Boston Marathon began in 1897, but the starting line didn’t move from Ashland to neighboring Hopkinton until 1924.
“One hundred years ago this April was the last time the race started in Ashland,” said Tim Kilduff, president of the 26.2 Foundation.
The starting line’s current location is a short distance west of where it was when runners took off from Ashland’s Metcalf’s Mill during Boston’s first marathon.
So, why is the line in Hopkinton now? The answer, like the inspiration for the race itself, has Olympic roots.
There’s a big change to how you watch the Marathon. Here are the details. — 7:30 a.m.
If you’re watching in the Boston area ...
Channel 5 in Boston (WCVB) is taking over coverage after years of the race being aired on CBS.
Local coverage will begin at 4 a.m. with the EyeOpener newscast from the Hopkinton start and the finish line in Copley Square.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., ESPN anchor John Anderson will be reporting on the professional race from the finish line photo bridge. He will be joined by analyst Carrie Tollefson, a 2004 Olympian; and Meb Keflezighi, a four-time Olympian who in 2014 became the first American man to win the Boston Marathon in more than 30 years.
Ch. 5 and ESPN personalities will be at the finish line doing live interviews with participants as they cross.
And at 1 p.m., post-race coverage picks back up on Ch. 5.
If you’re watching nationally ...
ESPN has exclusive rights to the Boston Marathon. The national broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. ET and runs until 1 p.m. ET.
In Hopkinton, a family reunion at the start line — 7:20 a.m.
By John Hilliard
HOPKINTON — The first spectators showed up to the starting line a few minutes before 7 a.m., many people stopping for a moment to soak in the now-quiet scene before thousands of runners pour through the town in a couple hours.
Among them is Jessica Morris, 40, traveled up from Bethlehem, Pa., Sunday to attend this year’s Marathon and cheer on her brother, Joel Morris, who is running in his first Boston Marathon. She stood by the starting line, carrying a blue “Boston Strong” flag.
Today will be a bit of a family reunion, and an early birthday party — Jessica Morris hasn’t seen her brother since the pandemic, and he turns 36 Tuesday.
Her brother and the rest of her family live in Oregon; Morris said she is from Portland.
She’s already ordered a birthday cake from PattiCakes of Hopkinton. Jessica Morris said she had trouble figuring out how a spectator could drive to the starting line.
When she asked the cake store for advice, the business offered up its driveway for her to park in, she said.
The catch was she had to get to Hopkinton before many roads closed here between 6:30 and 7 a.m., she said.
“That’s why I’m here at the crack of dawn, and he’s running at 10 a.m.,” Jessica Morris said. “The people of Hopkinton are warm, generous people.”
🐶 Why hundreds of Golden Retrievers took over Boston Common — 7:05 a.m.
A group of very good dogs paused to wait for their friends to catch up with them on Sunday.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
By Daniel Kool
A sea of golden retrievers — more than 100 dogs deep — flooded the edge of the Boston Common Sunday morning, in memory of the Marathon’s official dog, Spencer, who died in February.
Elisha Bussiere, co-founder of MA Golden Meetups, which organized the morning, said the turnout far exceeded expectations. Itwas like “nothing we imagined.”
The canines convened in honor of Spencer, who died two months ago after being diagnosed with untreatable cancer. A video of Spencer standing along the Marathon route, wearing a blue raincoat and holding a pair of Boston Strong flags in his mouth, went viral in 2018.
I realized as soon as I walked up to Gate D9 at the Charlotte airport Saturday night that I was about to fly on a plane full of people heading to the Boston Marathon.
I’ve seen firsthand the way Boston becomes “runners world” in the days leading to the Marathon, with the streets, parks, and tourist favorites teeming with people wearing high-end running gear and sipping from oversized water containers, but this was a new perspective.
Many looked anxious, and with just cause. The flight was delayed several times, adding stress to a collection of people who might already be worried about their Monday logistics, their training and fitness levels, and the uncertainty of what was ahead for them in the world’s most famous road race.
They also looked proud, and their attire told parts of their stories. Two women wore the logos and colors of a pretty famous college. A man and woman wore jackets that clearly indicated they’d been here before. Many humble-bragged by wearing finisher’s attire from some pretty impressive endurance races in faraway other places.
A scene from Logan Airport on the Saturday before the Marathon.Matt Pepin/Globe Staff
Some were obviously die-hard runners, with those lithe and lean bodies that come from a serious commitment to the pursuit. Some were the runners’ support team – family, friends, and colleagues. Some stretched. Some slept.
It felt like a collective sigh of relief was breathed when the flight – sold out, according to the crew – finally boarded, pushed back, and took off just before 10 p.m. It was quiet throughout the cabin, and I think the marathoners were mostly just relieved to be on their way to Boston.
I was relieved, too, because I was headed home after attending a professional conference. I suspect that to some, I may have looked like a marathoner as well, because while certainly not lithe and lean, I was wearing a fancy new pair of running shoes, largely for comfort reasons.
Then we landed and all the passengers deplaned into Terminal B, walking past the bright and familiar blue and yellow colors of the Boston Athletic Association and the Boston Marathon on video signs welcoming everyone to Boston and wishing them luck.
Then everyone dispersed to continue their own unique journey to the Boston Marathon.
Inside the Fairmont Copley scream tunnel — 6:50 a.m.
Here’s a cool tradition you might not know about.
Every year, the Fairmont Copley Plaza and Marathon staff cram into the lobby of the hotel to create their own “scream tunnel” to send the professional runners off to the start line.
From any corner of the lobby, you can hear clapping and cheering as stars like Eliud Kipchoge and Des Linden make their way to the buses.
What time does the Boston Marathon start? — 6:45 a.m.
Well, actually, there are a number of starts for the Marathon.
9:02 a.m.: Men’s wheelchair
9:05 a.m.: Women’s wheelchair
9:30 a.m.: Handcycles and duos
9:37 a.m.: Professional men
9:47 a.m.: Professional women
9:50 a.m.: Para athletics division
10 a.m.: Wave 1
10:25 a.m.: Wave 2
10:50 a.m.: Wave 3
11:15 a.m.: Wave 4
We also have some projected finish times:
10:20-10:30 a.m.: Men’s wheelchair
10:33-10:43 a.m.: Women’s wheelchair
11:37-11:47 a.m.: Professional men
12:04-12:14 p.m.: Professional women
What’s the weather like? — 6:40 a.m.
It’s a misty morning at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, where media is stationed throughout the race. Temperature is around 47 degrees.
As the wheelchair racers head towards Boston Monday morning, temperatures will be within a degree or two of 50.
The lack of sunshine means temperatures will be in a fairly steady state all day. In other words, the thermometer won’t vary much beyond 52 to 55 degrees no matter what time you are on the course and where you are.
However, even with clouds, it is advisable to wear sunscreen as UV light can easily penetrate the clouds.
A cold front heading towards the coastline will increase the chance of showers, especially after noon. Most of the showers would be light and not every spot along the 26 mile course will receive rain. However, where a shower does occur, it will make everything wet.
Late in the afternoon, there’s actually a chance of a thunderstorm. This won’t impact elite runners but could impact folks who take four, five, or more hours to complete the course.
If you’re headed down to the finish line, be prepared for lots of traffic and no parking.
And the T will be limited as well. Copley Station is closed for the entire day. South Street, Kent Street, and Saint Mary’s Street stations are closed from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Among the sea of participants dashing by in bright bursts of color and the thousands of attendees brandishing signs at the Boston Marathon, a handful of recognizable figures will be taking on the formidable road race.
Hello, and welcome to the 127th running of the Boston Marathon!
The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world. Since 1897, athletes of all skill levels have taken to the course (did you know it didn’t always begin in Hopkinton?) to experience the highs and lows that only Boston can offer. From Newton’s Heartbreak Hill to that turn onto Hereford Street, the Boston Marathon is marked by iconic moments and vistas that make it the crown jewel of the distance running world.
