The marathon makes Boston stronger
The Boston Marathon has seen the best of times and the worst of times.
It’s been a season of light and a season of darkness, to keep borrowing from Charles Dickens. But it fits.
Today’s 126th running of the race is proof of the resilience of our great city. We’re slowly shedding the coronavirus pandemic while welcoming 30,000 runners back to the 26.2-mile course. The chilly start in Hopkinton will be teeming with anxious racers; the flats in Framingham will be where the leaders will hit their stride. Wellesley will welcome all with cheers and the heartbreak in Newton will go far to determine the climax in Copley.
The marathon with all its ancient history means so much to Boston, too. Even more so following the horrific twin bombings at the finish line in 2013. Through it all the runners keep coming.
There’s something about the running spirit. The sport takes commitment, endurance, determination and hope. That’s all embodied in today’s marathon.
It all started on April 19, 1897, with the Herald running a tiny mention of the first winner of the BAA Marathon on the front page. The full story — if you can call it full — ran on page 12 and told of J.J. McDermott of New York winning the race the day before at a time of 2:55:10s. “Nine of the 15 runners finished,” the story adds. (The Boston Athletic Association says 18 runners entered the race.) We’ve never looked back since.
In 1967, “K.V. Switzer” lifted the race anew. Kathrine Switzer, who listed herself on her Boston Marathon entry form as K.V. to break the men-only barrier, stunned the running world.
“Part of what made the Boston Marathon special to me was its historical importance. I had no idea I was going to become part of that history. I wasn’t running Boston to prove anything; I was just a kid who wanted to run her first marathon,” Switzer later wrote.
“Boston was always Mecca for runners. Now I, too, was one of the anointed pilgrims,” she added.
The race has evolved into more than just a test of endurance. It illustrates all that’s good about Greater Boston. Runners won’t go a single mile without someone cheering them on. “You can do it! Keep going!” is shouted no matter if you finish just past 2 hours or 4.
There’s a shared bond between the racers and spectators. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that could be why so many fans turn out to see the race. Having it land on Patriots Day helps, but there’s more at play today.
Some of the winners speak to this better than we can.
“Winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself,” said Meb Keflezighi. His victory in 2014, the year after the bombings, was one of the high notes of the race.
Keflezighi crossed the finish line first in 2:08:37, becoming the first American male since 1983 to win Boston. Everyone was wracked with conflicting emotions that day. How could we celebrate a race that caused so much pain? But, how could we not?
Evil can’t win. Keflezighi gave Boston and the country a new hero and something to celebrate. The day started with such trepidation but ended with exuberance. It was a gift that reached back all the way to the beginnings of the marathon.
The marathon celebrates the indomitable spirit of a runner entrusted to send a message that freedom won the day. That’s why we cheer on the runners today. It’s more than just a race.
See you along the course.