A feeling of joy rang back and forth across the race course in whoops, hollers, cowbells, noisemakers and cheers at the 127th Boston Marathon — a resounding, unified sentiment from the Boston Strong community.
“We’ve come a long way from 10 years ago,” said Dave Biele, cheering on a friend running the race around mile 22 at Cleveland Circle. “This is the kind of thing that won’t be held back or kept down.”
The 10 year mark from the tragedy saw a marathon community holding onto the solidarity and pride to come out of the horrific event — the cutting edges of the bombings long-tempered through a decade of support and resilience, while emblazoned “Boston Strong” and “Never Forget” messages kept the memory alive.
Crowds lining the barricades throughout the 26.2 miles braved soggy, cold weather to cheer on loved ones or just join in on the enthusiasm.
“It’s a great day, even though the weather’s horrible,” said Sue Schmidlin, a Cincinnati resident out to cheer on her husband in the dense morning fog. “Everyone seems so happy to root people on. I think people just like to see that other people can take on a challenge like the marathon — I can’t imagine doing it. It’s just inspiring.”
“Let’s go Eric!” hollered Rosa Moriello, as her friend and former Boston University track and cross country teammate sped along in the pro men’s runners pack.
The marathon this year brought her and a group of BU grads back together for the first time since the pandemic, Moriello said — a sort of long-awaited friend reunion.
“It’s awesome to be back and see this again,” she said, a sentiment echoed by many gathering, celebrating and reminiscing in the lines.
Standing at the Cleveland Circle barricade around 11 a.m. as wheelchair athletes flew by, 13-year-old Leila said she may run the famed race someday — if she can train enough.
“I think it’s really cool how they can just run this much,” said the teen, noting she comes out with her family every year.
Runners and bystanders came back together in enthusiastic but exhausted celebrations at the Back Bay finish line, making their way back to a dryer warmth, food and rest.
“For the final five miles there was just this line of people cheering, so it was amazing” said Michigan-native runner Stavros Moustakeas, clutching a whole box of Dunkin donuts and heading for the T with his family. “Definitely the coolest race I’ve run.”
“It’s just good to be here, in the midst of all this,” said Josie Phillips, gesturing to the mass of buzzing fans and families interspersed by foil blanket-wrapped, medal-wearing runners. “There’s no event like the Boston Marathon.”
