The Boston Marathon is a 26.2-mile-long race that takes place annually on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April. This year, the 130th marathon happened on April 20 and stretched from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Copley Square, Boston. Runners race to compete, support causes, or break personal bests, while spectators line the course, cheering them on and bringing energy to every mile.
The marathon is structured in groups; pushrim wheelchairs and handcycles start first, followed by the elite men and women, a group that requires strict qualifying standards, who usually begin between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Then, qualified and sponsored runners are placed into waves based on their age, gender, and qualification times.
The course includes a mix of downhill, flat, and uphill roads, with the most challenging stretch between miles 20 and 21. This portion features the infamous Heartbreak Hill in Newton, where runners face four difficult hills, testing their strength and endurance. For hydration and support, runners are provided with water and medical stations at every mile. Preparing for the marathon takes months of training, and many runners study the course in advance to plan their pacing and strategy.
Additionally, participants appreciated the favorable weather conditions, including cool temperatures and a light tailwind, which helped contribute to the fast times seen across multiple competitive groups. This year’s marathon was highlighted by impressive performances from top runners. Kenyan runners John Korir and Sharon Lokedi individually secured their second consecutive win; Korir finished with a new course record of 2:01:52, while Lokedi finished with a time of 2:18:51. The wheelchair division also saw outstanding performances by first place men’s finisher Marcel Hug, who had a time of 1:16:06, and first place women’s finisher Eden Rainbow-Cooper, with a time of 1:30:51. Other top finishers followed closely behind, reflecting the highly competitive nature of this year’s race.
Beyond the professional competition and record-breaking performances, the Boston Marathon felt personal for our school community this year. Many Concord Academy students, including myself, spectated and cheered on Boston Marathon runners, experiencing an up-close look at the energy and atmosphere that defined the race. On the faculty side, Mitch Morris, who teaches Native American and Environmental History and coaches the Cross Country and Track and Field distance team, competed in the race, while Developmental Biology and Chemistry teacher Susan Flink P’13 handed out medals at the finish line. The CA community was excited to see members of our school participating in different roles, which made the experience feel even more connected and meaningful. Amelia Mansfield ’28 recalls, “I thought it was a really positive environment. People were cheering for complete strangers, and everyone was incredibly encouraging and friendly.” Her experience reflects the excitement many students felt while watching the marathon in person. The race was not just a major sporting event, but also an experience that brought members of the CA community together.
Ultimately, the Boston Marathon continues to be more than just a competitive race. It celebrates community, strength, and courage, and brings together elite athletes, dedicated volunteers, and spectators from around the world. For those who did not have the chance to attend this year, the marathon remains an experience worth seeing in person.