The 129th running of the Boston Marathon came and went on Monday, with nearly 300,000 spectators flocking to cheer on the more than 32,000 racers.
Posters and homemade signs decorated the 26.2-mile marathon route, with messages like “You’re doing gr8, sweaty” and “Power Up!” to give racers some added motivation before crossing the finish line.
Here are some of the best signs Beacon photographers saw along the marathon route.
In an ode to Yoda and “Star Wars,” a sign read “‘Finish, you will.’ May the course be with you.” (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)Right before racers took a right turn onto Hereford Street, a sign encouraged them to “Power Up” to make it to the finish line. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)Mere feet before racers crossed the finish line, a sign encouraged them like Kris Jenner encouraged Kim Kardashian, “You’re doing gr8 sweaty.” (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)On Boylston Street by Dick’s House of Sport, a sign read “All this for him to like your story?” greeted racers. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)“They’re a 10, but they run marathons…” a sign read on Boylston Street. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)Paying homage to Taylor Swift, a sign on Boylston Street read, “IDK about you, but I’m feeling 26.2.” (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)A humorous take on the friction many marathon runners encountered. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)Even companies like Levain got in on the fun. (DJ Mara/Beacon Staff)Spectators in Newton encouraged racers to smile to make the grueling Heartbreak Hill “hurt less.” (Sam Shipman/Beacon Staff)“Go, Tom!” the unicorn and shark balloon said. (Sam Shipman/Beacon Staff)Right before racers braved Heartbreak Hill in Newton, spectators encouraged them to “Slay the day” and “Kill this hill.” (Sam Shipman/Beacon Staff)“Nooooo, don’t slow down, you’re too sexy,” a sign near Heartbreak Hill read. (Sam Shipman/Beacon Staff)“Run Like A Girl,” a sign read outside Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street. (Abigail Hoyt/Beacon Staff)A sign on Boylston read “Running is a mental sport and you’re all insane!” (Abigail Hoyt/Beacon Staff)Cardboard cutouts of faces lined Boylston Street. (Abigail Hoyt/Beacon Staff)Therapy and tequila were presented as alternatives to running a marathon. (Abigail Hoyt/Beacon Staff)Poking fun at the T’s long ride times, a sign implied that marathon runners are faster than the city’s public transportation system. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)As racers passed mile marker 25, a spectator encouraged her racer to swiftly make it through the last 1.2 miles so they could celebrate. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)Fenway Franks or not, marathon racers were applauded for their grit, determination, and resilience along the route. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)A man held a sign over his body that read “Run faster or I drop the sign.” (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)“Running better than the Green Line,” a sign read. (Norah Lesperance)
DJ Mara (he/him) is a sophomore political communication major from Worcester, MA, who currently serves as the deputy metro news editor for The Berkeley Beacon. In previous semesters, DJ served as a staff writer, assistant news editor, and Kasteel Well bureau chief. When DJ is not writing for The Beacon, he can be found working on political campaigns or exploring his love for photography by taking photos of cityscapes and nature around him.
Sam Shipman (He/Him) is a second-year journalism student from Natick, Massachusetts. Outside of the Beacon, he can be found working with The Society of Professional Journalists as the Co-Vice-President, staff writing for WECB Milk Crate, working at WERS 88.9 FM as a member of the “You Are Here” Staff. When not working in the field, he can be found listening to music, trying new food, doing freelance videography, and spending time with friends.
Arthur Mansavage (he/him) is a junior Journalism major from Carmel, Indiana. Currently he serves as the Photography Editor and Audience Development Editor. As the Photo Editor he oversees all photo content for online and in-print and as the Audience Development Editor he oversees and manages reader experience and engagement.
