This Marathon Monday, Boston welcomed thousands of participants and spectators for the 128th Boston Marathon. Participants battled the heat and the course, but received support from family, friends, strangers and volunteers throughout the 26.2 miles. Below are 22 images that...

At Monday's 128th Boston Marathon, deputy city editor Alexis Algazy took to the streets to ask spectators and volunteers who they were there to support, and what makes Boston's marathon so special.

Every year on Patriot’s Day, athletes from around the globe flock to Boston to compete in the storied Boston Marathon, one of the world’s best-known races and a competition thousands of competitors look forward to annually. Among those 30,000 hopeful individuals are a number...