Runners descend on Boston as marathon weekend kicks off
Boston Marathon weekend has arrived, and for runners from all across the globe, this is truly the greatest time of the year.
"I love it! It's the most iconic race to the world," said one runner.
The excitement was already building on Friday, as runners arrived at the marathon expo to pick up their bib numbers and explore the city. Many turned down Boylston Street to check out the finish line.
For some runners, it will be their first time hitting the Boston Marathon course, including Briar-Rose Honeywill-Sykes from Florida, who will turn 18 years old on Sunday and said that she is the youngest runner in this year's race.
"I did my first marathon when I was nine," Honeywill-Sykes said. "The biggest run I've ever run was across the country. I started San Francisco to New York City. It was 3,200 miles. I ran 116 days, and when I finished, I got four different world records for being the youngest girl to run across the country."
Each runner will take on the course for a different reason — some with personal goals, while others will run for something bigger than themselves.
"I'm running for my patient partner, and for the kids," said Sara Foss, who is participating as a charity runner with Boston Children's Hospital.
But regardless of goal, every runner seems to agree that this race is simply like no other.
"I always say, this is the absolute Superbowl of marathons," added one runner.