Monday, October 11th marked the 125th Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, this year’s event was hindered by COVID; however, fans and athletes were eager to attend after last year’s cancelation. 

This year’s race was thinned down to 20,000 entrants as opposed to the usual 30,000. To add another layer of COVID safety, athletes were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the event. In more attempts to make a safer environment for athletes, a rolling start technique was adopted and they no longer provided an athletes village. 

After the unfortunate series of events in 2013, security was a blatant priority. Walking by the finish line there was no lack of police presence. Armored trucks and squad cars lined the perimeter of the marathon and security checkpoints were required at any access points to view the runners. This year more than 1,000 state and federal law enforcement personnel attended, providing additional security. 

Kenyan runner ,Benson Kipruto, took first place in the men’s division, finishing in 2:09:51. Diana Chemtai Kipyogei, also a Kenyan runner, finished in 2:24:45, taking the win for the women’s division. With the combined 20,000 in-person runners and 30,000 virtual runners, running in neighborhoods across the world, this was the largest Boston Marathon to date.

The energy surrounding the city on this perfect fall day was unmatched. Runners were ecstatic to participate in a large marathon for the first time in years and fans and locals rejoiced with a sense of community and pride.