There is only one day of the year where thousands of college students voluntarily wake up early to soak in the morning sun. Only on the morning of the annual Boston Marathon can you see people from all kinds of schools, cities and even countries line up along the barricades awaiting the runners ahead. Regardless of whether your “Marathon Monday” includes hopping from gathering to gathering or following the runners until the finish line, it is a day when the city seems to come to a standstill.
This year, the marathon unfolded in exceptionally warm conditions. For the first time in several years, officials were reluctant to have amateur runners go through with the race in fears of dehydration and other potential health hazards. Nevertheless, warnings aside, runners still flooded the streets. For people who hold marathon traditions in their home cities, Boston’s marathon brought to mind the memories and comfort of home.
Inspiration flooded in with each runner. There were runners with prosthetic legs. Runners who were pushing their friend in a wheelchair because he couldn’t stand on his own two feet. Runners who had friends and family endure the last mile with them. There were runners dressed as burgers, Teletubbies and Minnie Mouse, among many other equally colorful characters. There was a man who assisted a blind older man. Emotions peaked when supporters spotted a friend in the crowd; there, in that moment, differences were sat aside and the overwhelming support for the runners took over.
There were Boston University students cheering fervently for Boston College runners. Barriers of animosity that existed between schools disappeared. Despite the heat and sheer number of people clustered in central Boston and beyond, the electricity and spirit of the marathon trumped those obstacles. Unfortunately, there was a contingent of students who couldn’t be bothered with seeing a world-class event at their doorstep. But those that did watch at least some of the race were filled with a renewed insight and appreciation for life. Watching individuals of all ages and circumstances relentlessly continue to the end of the race brought about perspective. As we near the end of the semester, these revelations could not come at a more befitting time.
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