A group of Massachusetts National Guard members kicked off the 128th edition of the Boston Marathon early Monday by crossing the start line in Hopkinton, the town that has hosted the prestigious race for a century. The start line, painted in honor of the town's 100th anniversary as the marathon's starting point, marked a significant milestone in the event's history.
The race director, Dave McGillivray, sent off the group of about 30 participants, expressing gratitude for their service and wishing them a great experience. Lt. Col. Paula Reichert Karsten, one of the marchers, highlighted her desire to be part of this quintessential Massachusetts event.
Hopkinton's role as the starting line of the Boston Marathon dates back to 1924 when the race's distance was officially set at 26.2 miles. The town's start line proudly displayed the message '100 years in Hopkinton,' welcoming both runners and spectators to this iconic event.
The marathon, known for its challenging yet scenic course, drew nearly 30,000 runners this year, with favorable weather conditions forecasted. Among the participants were top athletes like Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri, aiming to secure victories in their respective categories.
A notable American contender, Emma Bates, returned to Boston after overcoming an injury setback that prevented her from competing in the Olympic marathon trials. Bates, along with other strong American runners like Sara Hall, added to the competitive field vying for top honors.
Chebet, eyeing a historic three-peat victory, hoped to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympics through a strong performance in Boston. Despite his recent successes, Chebet faced stiff competition from a talented pool of Kenyan runners, who have dominated recent editions of the Boston Marathon.
McGillivray, the race director, shared his excitement for this year's event, which held special significance for him as he planned to run alongside his children for the first time. The marathon's rich history and the spirit of competition were set to unfold as runners embarked on the challenging journey from Hopkinton to Copley Square.
