This year is the 125th anniversary of the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual tradition marathon. It is taking place on Monday, Oct. 11 instead of its typical occurrence on Patriots’ Day. Thus, the 2021 marathon is six months out from the typical date, so the spring air aspect of the race will not be in store for athletes or spectators. There are typically between 30,000 to 40,000 athletes running the marathon, and the event can draw up to 500,000 spectators. In accordance with COVID-19 precautions this year, there will be about 20,000 athletes, but given the health risk, it is hard to say how many spectators will be in attendance. These differences could make it seem like Boston is in for a dreary marathon this year, but we have to look beyond surface level.
Despite these atypical circumstances, this year’s marathon will likely become one of the most monumental races in the history of the Boston Marathon. The endurance of Bostonians and Massachusetts residents through the COVID-19 pandemic is another victory to associate with the “Boston Strong” attitude. The slogan, born in response to the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, still stands relevant today. As we all know, the pandemic took a toll on everyone in every way — work and school changed, spending habits changed, daily routines changed, life paths changed. The ways in which Massachusetts residents went about their lives was wiped out swiftly as fear and tension rose and panic set in. Drastic and sudden transitions that no one had experienced prior were extremely difficult and stressful to navigate, and the Boston Marathon provides people the opportunity to reflect and appreciate this journey.
It might be difficult for some to understand exactly how a marathon can be such an inclusive and representative event for so many different people, but we have to understand how far the impact reaches. Athletes, though they could still practice, were unable to showcase their hard work in 2020 or reconnect with their running community at what was likely the marathon event of the year for them. Parents, spouses, and children could not experience the euphoria of watching their loved ones cross the finish line — something that makes runners feel like the whole state is cheering for them too. Boston could not rally together to celebrate itself, its triumphs, and its perseverance, particularly in relation to the Boston Marathon bombing and observance of 9/11. As one can see, the marathon and the athletes themselves are the core of this event, but it branches out to involve the whole community, both citywide and statewide. This vital event could not happen in 2020, which makes this year’s marathon even more crucial.
The last race was in April 2019, and now everyone is itching for the marathon to begin. It has been over two years since the last in-person Boston Marathon took place, and there has been much anticipation for the race since the official cancelation notice from 2020. The weight this year’s race carries as a response of resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic after so much time has passed is going to charge the city. It won’t just be the Boston Marathon we know and love but also a triumphant and motivating race, just like old times. In the face of a pandemic, there will still be a lively crowd encouraging athletes up Heartbreak Hill just outside Boston College and the infamous status symbol of the Boston Marathon celebration jacket by Adidas will appear at the finish line. Additionally, there will be celebratory events taking place in similar fashion to the ones typical on Patriots’ Day.
Despite tragedy after tragedy, Boston has always pulled through. The city’s unity is profound in times of hardship like those presented in the past year and a half. The marathon is the pinnacle and celebration of this unity. Challenged by the pandemic on its 125th anniversary, this year’s marathon will have a deeper rooted meaning to Massachusetts than there has been before. On Oct. 11, 2021, we can finally come together to commemorate the Boston Marathon after what has felt like so long. Will we see you there?