More than 500,000 spectators waving pompoms, clanging cowbells and holding signs cheered on the nearly 31,700 runners participating in the 130th Boston Marathon April 20.
The course, which begins in Hopkinton and runs through several towns in eastern Massachusetts, ends on Boylston Street and is considered one of the most difficult marathon courses in the world. Every year, runners sputter over Heartbreak Hill in Newton around the 20-mile mark.
The event showcased elite competitors from around the globe, with John Korir and Sharon Lokedi of Kenya repeating as champions of the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. This year, Korir set a course record of 2:01:52.
Marcel Hug from Switzerland won the men’s wheelchair division for the ninth time and Eden Rainbow-Cooper of England took the women’s wheelchair division for the second time.
The Boston Marathon, first held in 1897, is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of its most prestigious, as one of just six to hold the World Marathon Major title. Over time, it’s become a symbol of inclusivity in the sport, notably after Kathrine Switzer famously ran in 1967 despite repeated attempts to have her removed. Later, in 1975, wheelchair racing began when Bob Hall finished the course, spurring the creation of a recognized division.
“Those wheelchairs are just incredible,” said Connecticut resident Doug Kramer, who was stationed at Coolidge Corner to watch his first Boston Marathon. Kramer, who has used a wheelchair for 35 years, said that wheelchair racers start and finish first, “because they’re just so much faster than everyone else, than the fastest runners.”
Kramer praised the increasing accessibility of the race, noting that volunteers and police forces helped ensure he could navigate around metal fencing set up along the course.
“It’s kind of remarkable,” Kramer said. “We’ve come a long way.”
Boston police partnered with state and federal law enforcement to coordinate and increase public safety. While it is now a celebrated day, every year, spectators and runners are reminded of the 2013 bombing that claimed the lives of three and injured more than 500 people. Security measures, like frequent bag checks and support from federal agents, have evolved to keep crowds safe.
“What brings us out here today is basically inspecting all the places of assembly along the finish line to make sure they’re not overcrowded, to keep the exits clear … And then we have people equipped with medical equipment to assist with medical emergencies, to make sure that the race goes off without a hitch,” said Boston Assistant Fire Marshal Sean Barrett.
One of the highlights for runners and spectators alike is the crowds of people that gather along nearly the entire route.
Theresa LaPlante traveled from Maine to cheer on her daughter, who’s running the marathon for the second time.
“I had never really been to the Boston Marathon before last year,” LaPlante said. “I was shocked at how moving it was emotionally. You just get carried away with the cheering and watching the people run and all of the people supporting them. I was on this emotional high for the next week thinking about it.”
According to the City of Boston, individuals from over 137 countries and every state in the U.S. ran this year’s race
“I started running five years ago, really active, just gradually getting closer and closer to this 2:55 limit. I applied and I got it,” said Eivind Bækkedal, who traveled from Norway to run his first marathon abroad. “It’s been a 10 to 15-year dream since I heard about it the first time. Now, finally, I managed to qualify, so this was my chance.”
For some, the size and energy of the crowds were part of the appeal, drawing first-time spectators to experience the race in-person.
“This is my first time seeing this because the crowd has always kind of scared me away. But it looks really fun and interesting,” said Tatiana Daradar, a third-year computer science and design combined major at Northeastern. “Everybody here loves getting crunk, and that’s wonderful.”
