This is the last post in this series and the BIG day. Starting with getting to the buses on time, and ending with a nice dinner.
The day begins by boarding the buses that take the runners to Hopkinton. The buses are organize in waves. Approximately 30 school buses park along Tremont Street at Boston Commons to be loaded. After all the buses are loaded they all leave at the same time and another 30 take their places for the next wave. This continues until all runners are transported to Hopkinton where the Marathon starts.
Sue’s ready to board. Every runner must show their race number, which must be pinned to your clothes before boarding.
Thousands of runners wait in long lines to get on a bus.
I found a spot to watch the marathon about a block from the finish line. Later Beth and Andrew will bring lawn chairs to make the many hours we will spend here a bit more comfortable. It’s cold this morning, as you can tell by the way this person is dressed.
This is one way to to keep the kids warm and comfortable while you wait. I’ll bet it’s fun in that modified wagon.
Finally my daughter and son-in-law showed up with chairs, coffee, and muffins.
This dog, and another one like him, checked the crowds on both sides of the street.
The wheelchair racers arrive first
There are three very, very close with only a block to go.
This is Kurt Fearnley trying to overtake the leader Masazumi Soejima. Can you feel the intense determination he must be feeling? He finished in 2nd place.
Just like a NASCAR race, they draft each other.
The Elite Women will be here shortly. Notice the additional police that position themselves between the crowds and the elite runners.
You can tell when the leaders are coming. First you see state police motorcycles, a truck with a large timer, and a motorcycle with a camera man.
This is the female winner, Caroline Kilel. She displays great form even one block short of 26.2 miles.
Here is Desiree Davila, the first US finisher, who had an impressive time of 2:22:38 to take 2nd place.
Here come the Elite male runners.
After 26.2 miles only 4 seconds separate the winner, Geoffrey Mutai, and second place, Moses Mosop.
This is Ryan Hall, the first US finisher, and forth place overall with a time of 2:04:48.
Not everyone is strong at the finish. This guy’s legs were like putty, it looked like he had trouble putting any weight on them.
I’m not sure how anyone runs 26.2 miles, let alone in full battle gear. Wow!
Not an outfit I would be wearing in public, or anywhere else for that matter. It is impressive that he would run with bare feet.
I couldn’t even begin to speculate.
Now this is a TALL guy. Not sure if he ran the full 26.2 miles. He’s not wearing a number, so he’s a bandit. Bandits run the race without registering, sometimes they run the full course, sometimes not, but bandits don’t get that Boston Marathon Finisher’s Medal that everyone wishes they had.
Here comes 21505 looking strong. Sue put the MOM sign on for Beth’s benefit but she said it was great because all along the course, especially past the Boston College guys, everyone cheered for “MOM”.
A thumbs up with a block or so to go.
OK now we need to make our way through the crowds to the meeting area.
The post race reunion and this is Sue’s favorite picture. She said it made her feel very special having the three of us waiting for her at the end.
Time to return to the hotel.
We celebrated with a post marathon dinner at Legal Sea Foods. Beth, Andrew, and I all agree it’s a hard job being a Marathon spectator. The long wait in the cold, plus the cheering takes a toll on a person and we need nourishment.
Seriously, congratulations Sue!
