Having run eight marathons, the Boston Marathon was always a race to strive for. While the New York City, Marine Corps and others were larger, anyone who paid their entry fee was permitted to run. Boston, however, had very strict qualifying guidelines. Depending on one's age, you had to run a certified marathon course in the previous year in a certain time. Needless to say, I never qualified for Boston.
Until last year, the marathon was part of a unique New England tradition. Patriot's Day, morning baseball at Fenway and the runners through downtown Boston. This year the race will have the largest field ever and that is a great thing to see. As to be expected, there will be additional layers of security everywhere with a police presence from start to finish.
Before the game last night, the Red Sox held an emotional and moving ceremony honoring those who lost their lives, the many who were physically injured as well as those who responded to the emergency. Click here for the video.
May we never forget what happened last year, but I look forward to the day when the Boston Marathon returns to what it once was.
For more information on the 118th running, click here. To track a specific runner's time, click here.