Here Comes the Boston Marathon
COMMENTARY
Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
— George Harrison
After the winter we just had, it felt as if spring might never arrive.
Yet on Wednesday, as I walked down Boylston Street, I could sense an unmistakable sense of energy starting to permeate through the air. The last bit of snow and ice had finally melted away. The Boston Marathon finish gate had been erected. The bleachers were going up; and I even saw a jumbotron being carted down the street on the back of a flatbed truck.
As much as April 15 is a date that will be forever etched in the collective conscience of all Bostonians, I could truly start to sense and feel how in the coming days our city will again be transformed by the power, strength and spirit of the Boston Marathon.
Here Come the Runners
In the coming days, our city will be (no pun intended) overrun with runners. We come in all shapes and sizes. We all run for different reasons. We all have different goals. But we are united by a common bond and feeling of mutual respect. We all know what it means to be here in Boston and what an honor it is to able run this race.
Here Comes the Course
As I looked upon Boylston Street, I could not help but think of how in just a matter of days it will be transformed from a street into one of the most iconic sporting venues on earth. How “Right on Hereford, left on Boylston’’ will cease to become driving directions, but rather the moment when dreams become realized and goals are accomplished. For a day, the streets will be ruled by runners, not automobiles.
Here Comes Patriots Day
In just a few days, it won’t just be Monday. No, it will be Patriots Day! Yes, here in Boston, we don’t just host a marathon, but rather we host a marathon on a holiday that commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution. Some will celebrate by running the race; others by lining the course and cheering for friends, family and those they don’t even know. It’s a day when we get to truly acknowledge the collective strength of our spirit and power of our community.
Here Comes the Boston Marathon
Get ready, because in just a few days we will all be out in force — runners, spectators, everyone — and partake in an event that I truly feel showcases the fabric that binds our city and demonstrates what truly makes Boston so very strong.
Yes, for the 119th year, the Boston Marathon will be back.
We will run. We will cheer. We will celebrate. We will remember. But, above all, we will finish.
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