When my husband and I were younger, and living in Boston, one of the best days of the year (second maybe only to St. Paddy’s Day in Southie) was Patriots Day. We would get up “early” (early for a 24 year old, anyway), and head over to the Fenway Park area, to one of the surrounding bars that was open for “breakfast”. We’d end up meeting a bunch of friends, and would all hang out until we had to leave for the Sox game. The game was always a blast–even though Opening Day had come and gone, Patriots Day really kind of felt like the kick-off to the season. After the game we’d head over to Boylston Street, to cheer on the Boston Marathon runners as they approached the end of the Marathon (the finish was just another couple of miles away). Needless to say, the crowd in this area can be a little rowdy–but in a good way! It was so fun to cheer on the runners, root for the Sox, and hang out with friends.
Ever since we decided to move to the suburbs, we were a little sad about not being just a cab ride away from all the action. Until we found our current home, which is practically on the route of the Boston Marathon. It is about one street over from our house! So now we’re even closer to the Marathon fun (and a little further from all the college-aged fun, which is a good thing, in my opinion!). We can just walk on over, and be home in 5 minutes if need be. I thought I’d share some of the pics I took this year from the Marathon festivities.
The Marathon starts off with the wheelchair participants. Rick and Dick Hoyt are always a huge crowd favorite–they have been running the Marathon since 1981!!
(The Elite Women: the top seeded women runners) 
(The top seeded men:)
And now, everyone else. Thousands and thousands of runners–some in costume, some not. Some wearing their names, so the crowds can cheer for them by name. Some quietly going about their journey, others slapping high-fives with kids on the sidelines, cheering for fellow runners. The energy is contagious and addictive, and above all, inspiring.
And just a few more personal ones.
Wow, these are incredible! That must have been amazing to witness the race. Thanks for sharing them.
Wow! I could feel the energy from those pictures. It’s Scott’s goal to qualify for Boston sometime in the near future. My goals are not so lofty, as I’m just happy to survive the marathons I run. Maybe we’ll be out your way sometime in the next few years. I’ll have to send this post on to him for inspiration.
Uhhh… I’m looking at one of the pictures with a woman wearing a singlet that says “Baby On Board”. Was she pregnant? Or am I missing the joke? Because, holy cow, pregnant… and running… a marathon… the BOSTON marathon? Wow.
Jill–oh yes, no joke (at least, I doubt it was). My sister and I were wondering the same thing, but figure she just found out (she wasn’t showing AT ALL, and in fabulous shape). There were a couple of these, she wasn’t the only one!
i wish you can see the tears in my eyes and the chills on my arms. i loved how they changed the LA marathon so it ends right on Ocean next to my place and it made me think ab/ all of the Patriot’s Days in Boston and how much i miss it… but how i miss you MORE. these are amazing, love you!
Megan, These are so great. Thanks for posting them. It was so fun spending the day with all of you!
Fun! I can also totally feel the energy from these and I get that “excited/giddy/so-proud-of-you-all/woo woo!” feeling in my stomach.