Hopkinton, Mass. – A group of members of the Massachusetts National Guard crossed the morning on Monday along the Boston Marathon starting line, launching the 129th edition of the oldest and most prestigious annual marathon in the world.
The director of the race, Dave McGillivray, sent the group of about 40 people in uniform at 6 in the morning, thanked them for their service and said that it is a climax of the day to see them in the course every year. It was very special this year since Monday is the 250th anniversary of the Patriots Day, McGillivray said later. The race is celebrated annually on the state vacations that commemorates the beginning of the revolutionary war.
“We appreciate your service, and only the fact that it is the day of the Patriots gives you even more meaning,” he said.
One of the military protesters, Lieutenant John Lee, said that the whole story “arrives at the forefront on a special day like today.”
“I just wanted to be part of that,” he said.
The city of Hopkinton, located about 26.2 miles (42.1 kilometers) west of Boston, is the meeting place for a field of about 30,000 runners that prepare for the walk to Copley Square. The organizers of the race also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first wheelchair race. Bob Hall He made my way at the 1975 Boston Marathon, promising to finish the course in 3 hours or less. He did it, and since then the wheelchair marathon has become a highly competitive event, not only in Boston, but throughout the world.
The forecasts required partially sunny skies, light winds and temperatures mainly in the 50s to 60 low for those who arrive at the Bay back in the afternoon. McGillivray will jump with the second wave of athletes to start the race with his son, making this his 53rd Boston Marathon.
“I think they will be perfect conditions for everyone,” said McGillivray. “These are 12 months of planning. Many different organizations and cities are involved. Everything only needs to join, all aligned. Usually, it does. And that is what we expect.”
Queenful champions Sisay Lema of Ethiopia and HELEN HEART OF KENIA Return to defend your titles. Lema separated from the herd of elite male corridors at the beginning of last year and ran only most of the morning, ending in the tenth time faster in the history of the race. Most of the main men’s finalists of 2024 are returning, including Kenya Chebet EvansThe two -time Boston Marathon champion who was third last year.
Obiri is trying to become the first woman to win three in a row since 1999. Last year, Obiri separated from a great evening to become the first woman to repeat as Boston Marathon champion since 2005.
The best American contenders include Emma Bates. The former Boston resident ended fifth in the women’s race in 2023 and 12 last year, making it the highest American finalist in both years.
This year, the female field will be the fastest, with 14 athletes that have a better personal marathon below 2 hours, 26 minutes, according to the Boston Athletic Association.
