What Happened Today in Hopkinton During Boston Marathon

This Monday marks the 128th edition of the historic Boston Marathon, an event that draws approximately 30,000 participants from more than 100 nations worldwide.

The race kicks off in the quaint town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, where runners gather early in the morning, filled with anticipation and excitement. From there, they embark on a grueling journey covering a distance of 26.2 miles, culminating in the heart of Boston at Copley Square.

While the course boasts an overall drop in elevation, it’s far from a leisurely stroll, as runners know well. The terrain presents a series of undulating hills, challenging even the most seasoned athletes. Over the course of the race, participants will conquer approximately 814 feet of elevation gain, navigating through picturesque New England landscapes and bustling city streets alike.

However, it’s not just the physical demands of the course that make the Boston Marathon legendary; it’s also the unpredictable weather. April in New England can bring a mix of conditions, from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, with the occasional spring shower or gusty winds thrown into the mix. Runners must be prepared to adapt, drawing on both their physical endurance and mental fortitude to conquer the elements and cross the finish line.

Despite its challenges, the Boston Marathon holds a special place in the hearts of runners worldwide. Its rich history, iconic course, and unwavering spirit of perseverance continue to inspire athletes of all abilities to test their limits and chase their dreams on Patriots’ Day each year.

Meet the Boston Marathon Runners:

In the elite men’s competition, all eyes are on Kenyan runner Evans Chebet as he aims to etch his name into the history books by clinching victory in the Boston Marathon for the third consecutive year. The last time someone achieved this remarkable feat was 16 years ago, accomplished by fellow Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot.

Chebet’s triumph in the previous year’s race was no small feat, as he emerged victorious from a fiercely competitive field that included none other than former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

While Kipchoge is absent from this year’s lineup, Chebet faces stiff competition from Ethiopian standout Sisay Lemma, who holds the title as the fourth-fastest marathon runner of all time, and Tanzanian athlete Gabriel Geay, who finished as the runner-up in 2023.

Over in the women’s division, decorated Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri takes center stage following her impressive victory in Boston last year, marking her first major marathon win. She shares the spotlight with former New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.

Adding to the excitement are prominent US athletes Sara Hall, who clinched a runner-up spot at the 2020 London Marathon, and Des Linden, the triumphant 2018 Boston Marathon champion. With their stellar track records, Hall and Linden are sure to enjoy immense support from the passionate home crowd as they strive for victory on the iconic Boston course.

Last American man in Boston Marathon:

In addition to the elite runners, there are some notable figures in the mix. Meb Keflezighi, the last American man to win the Boston Marathon back in 2014, is sure to gather plenty of support from fans. Also, keep an eye out for Zdeno Chara, former captain of the Boston Bruins, who is tackling the Boston Marathon for the second time.

Rob Gronkowski, the four-time Super Bowl champion tight end, is taking on a different role this year as the grand marshal of the race. He’s been honored with the 2024 Patriots’ Award for his patriotic spirit, philanthropic efforts, and inspirational presence, as well as for promoting goodwill and sportsmanship.

Among the 30,000 entrants, there’s a diverse representation from 129 countries and all 50 US states, including 4,474 runners from Massachusetts alone.

As for the prize money, there’s a whopping $1,214,500 up for grabs across different categories. Plus, there’s a $50,000 bonus waiting for anyone who can break the course record.

Boston Marathon Forecast:

Weather conditions can significantly impact the Boston Marathon, especially when runners face the daunting Heartbreak Hill around the 20-mile mark.

Fortunately, this year’s forecast looks favorable. The predicted high is 63 degrees Fahrenheit (about 17 degrees Celsius). The morning is expected to start off cloudy, but the clouds will give way to sunshine later in the afternoon.

Rain is unlikely to be a factor, and while there will be some moderate winds throughout the day, they shouldn’t pose a significant challenge to the runners.

Overall, it seems like the weather will be relatively cooperative for the marathon, offering runners decent conditions to navigate the course and chase their personal bests.