• 3:40 p.m. | Genevieve Gilson on the Green Line:
The crowd and runners are unstoppable — the roar can be heard inside the Green Line train. We pass a water station where green cups blanket the curb. They're close to the finish now and push forward. I did not know what to expect, going into my first marathon, but now it's clear why people return year after year, as spectators and competitors. The sense of community, camaraderie, and sportsmanship — this year's marathon is one that everyone, not just Bostonians, but everyone who experienced it, can be proud of.
• 3:15 p.m. | Meredith Nierman on Boylston:
WGBH News photographer took these photos at the finish line. More here.
• 2:30 p.m. | Adam Reilly on Boylston:
I've been talking with runners who just crossed the finish line about connections between last year's attacks and this year's race. Several told me they ran today because of what happened in 2013.
One said that during the race, whenever she felt herself flagging, she drew on the memory of the bombings as motivational fuel. And I've heard repeatedly that the marathon's spectators and volunteers — who already enjoyed a sterling reputation among runners — seemed even more supportive and passionate this year than they usually do. The overall atmosphere at the finish line is triumphant, and borderline buoyant. It'll be interesting to see if there's a palpable shift at 2:49 p.m., or if the good feeling continues unabated.
• 2:10 p.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
The crowd is more rambunctious farther up Beacon Street. The cheers are unceasing and the packs of runners move as one, like a school of fish. Bells are ringing and I can almost see Christopher Walken shouting "more cowbell!"
• 2:00 p.m. | Anne Mostue in the medical tent:
Medical tent is bustling. Just spoke with a runner who says he always finishes w a fever - 102 today. He says it's a little too warm today.
• 1:39 p.m. | Anne Mostue in the family area:
"It was great. Felt great. Safe. So many runners. Too many runners." - one #BostonMarathon finisher reuniting with his family.
• 1:33 p.m. | Adam Reilly on Boylston:
The security around the finish line has been intense all day: Boylston can't be crossed by the general public between Mass. Ave and the Public Garden, and everyone bringing a bag near the course is subject to search.
But I haven't found a single spectator who was frustrated or unsettled by those measures. Several told me, approvingly, that this is probably the safest spot in the United States right now. And one man —after likening the area to a "demilitarized zone" — added: "I don't mind. I've got nothing to hide." A few minutes ago, near the main medical tent in Copley Square Gov. Deval Patrick told me he thinks this year's marathon struck a successful balance between security and family-friendly feel; based on my unscientific polling so far, the public agrees.
• 1:26 p.m.:
Meb Keflezighi at presser on looking back at approaching the finish line: "Looking back is not a bad thing, it can save you a win."
Meb Keflezighi at presser: "It was my dream to win Boston and to make it just like the Red Sox did and do the same thing for the people."
• 1:13 p.m.:
Shalane Flanagan at presser "I ran everything I had in me today, right until the tape."
Shalane Flanagan at presser: "I'll be back to run here until I win it."
• 1:10 p.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
I'm sure that each area on the course has its own vibe. And out here in Brookline, it feels like one big street party. The weather couldn't be better. People line the Marathon course and the side streets also have a steady stream of pedestrians. Balloons, laughter, friends, and families — any trepidation I may have felt last night has dissipated like this morning's frost.
• 12:50 p.m. | Anne Mostue in the medical tent:
"We don't use the Q-word," - medical volunteers, when I told them the medical tent seemed quiet. #BostonMarathon
• 12:40 p.m. | Kirk Carapezza, on his day off, at the Red Sox game:
On this Patriots' Day, the Red Sox continue to honor 2013 #BostonMarathon first responders. @wgbhnews pic.twitter.com/dEWVvzVji2
• 12:32 p.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
So hot out here, saw one woman with heat exhaustion.
• 12:31 p.m.:
Fenway breaks into "USA!" chant & standing ovation as scoreboard shows the men's marathon winner. @universalhub pic.twitter.com/6NEgJnXeVH
• 12:27 p.m.:
Official women's results/top 10: 1-Rita Jeptoo (KEN) 2:18:57 2-Buzunesh Deba (ETH) 2:19:59 3-Mare Dibaba (ETH)... http://t.co/55d49eWH16
Official women's results/top 10: 1-Rita Jeptoo (KEN) 2:18:57 2-Buzunesh Deba (ETH) 2:19:59 3-Mare Dibaba (ETH)... http://t.co/55d49eWH16
• 12:15 p.m. | Edgar B. Herwick in Kenmore Square:
The crowds are swelling and getting louder in Kenmore Square at noon as runners have begun making their way through and turning the corner for the final mile of the 26.2 mile race. The leaders of the elite men an women have run past to huge shows of support from screams to cowbells to the waves of banners and Boston Strong flags. There is a noticeable, if not quite overwhelming, security presence here with dozens of police officers lining the route and bag checks outside the T stop and near Fenway Park. The Red Sox game is well underway. By the looks of things here is a beautiful festive Patriots Day in Boston.
• 12:10 p.m.:
For the first time since 1983 an American man has won the Boston Marathon! Congratulations Meb Keflezighi!
Keflezighi's Wikipedia page already updated, per Azita Ghahramani.
• 12:03 p.m. | Adam Reilly on Boylston:
I spoke this morning with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, who sounded extremely pleased with how the day has unfolded so far. "The turnout's great," Walsh said. "There's a lot of great energy here."
"It's been a long, difficult year for the survivors," Walsh added — saying that, as he sees it, today's turnout shows the public's appreciation for what people harmed in last ear's blasts have been through.
One footnote: after my conversation with Walsh, I found myself — not by design — in a part of Copley Square where I wasn't supposed to be. It took about three minutes for any of the numerous volunteers or safety personnel to note my presence, and when they did, there was some disagreement about how exactly I should exit. The security presence around Copley Square is intense — among other things, you can't cross Boylston between Mass. Ave and the Public Garden — but it also feels like, in some cases, the exact details of security protocol are unfolding in real time.
• 12:02 p.m.:
Women's elite winner Rita Jeptoo's (KEN) 2:28:57 time is a course record.
• 11:57 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
The sun's beating down and the elite women are just hitting Coolidge Corner. Their faces are intense and they're impervious to the cheers of the crowd. Focused on the race, one foot in front of the other — hitting the stride of champions. There's so much to take in, the throng of people, the cops holding back the masses from the road, and of course, the runners. It's interesting how much space there is between each runner. There are a few pairs, but not many. At this point in the course, they must already be dividing out.
• 11:56 a.m.:
Shalane Flanagan (USA) crosses the finish line in sixth with a personal best time. (~2:22:01)
• 11:53 a.m.:
Rita Jeptoo (KEN) sets a course record (~2:18:57) to win the women's field of the 118th Boston Marathon - her... http://t.co/7qzaGcWk9g
• 11:44 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
From the pink boa to the homemade trail mix that they are offering to everyone, these women are feisty. Martha and Sharon are both breast cancer survivors who are cheering on friends. Their group is running and raising money for breast cancer research — in memory of Bridget Spence, who died last year at 29. It's turning into a gorgeous day and as these women prove, each moment matters. They pass the trail mix to a police officer and laugh, celebrating the day.
• 11:37 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 11:36 a.m. | Meredith Nierman on Boylston Street:
• 11:32 a.m.:
On her 29th birthday, Tatyana McFadden (USA) wins the women’s wheelchair. Wakako Tsuchida (JPN) follows.
Tatyana McFadden (USA) wins her second straight push rim title (time: 1:35:06). She held lead for the final 12... http://t.co/jgYiUV31qZ
• 11:27 a.m. | Cristina Quinn in Wellesley:
• 11:15 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 11:05 a.m. | Kirk Carapezza, on his day off, at the Red Sox game:
Big ovation for #BostonMarathon victim Mark Fucarile who threw out the first pitch days after walking down the aisle - at Fenway. @wgbhnews
• 11:02 a.m. | Adam Reilly on Boylston:
If you're at the #BostonMarathon and hoping to cross Boylston, give yourself a good 45 minutes. It ain't easy: pic.twitter.com/mR1GuhU4FB
• 11:01 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 10:50 a.m. | Anne Mostue on Boylston:
Back at the finish line, view from Marathon Sports. Huge cheers for wheelchair winners. pic.twitter.com/pf0PVA3HoA
• 10:48 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
I didn't realize, before moving out here, that in addition to runners, the Boston Marathon also features wheelchair racers. It's incredible to watch them fly past, arms pumping, in specially designed 3-wheeled chairs. The word chair is ridiculously inadequate because it implies a passivity that couldn't be further from what is actually happening. These racers are a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the Marathon is certainly richer, in my mind, because of the diversity of the racers.
• 10:45 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
Patricia Alvarado sends this photo of an autistic runner and his guides in Natick.
• 10:40 a.m. | Adam Reilly at the finish line:
Mayor Marty Walsh: "Turnout's been great — there's a lot of great energy." Sees a fitting end to a "long, difficult year."
• 10:32 a.m. | Edgar B. Herwick III near Fenway Park:
Noticeable security presence outside Kenmore t station. @wgbhnews pic.twitter.com/IUQh9rE23Q
• 10:30 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
A few National Guard runners have come through. These guys (I haven't seen any women in uniform yet) are hardcore. Running the course in uniform, complete with combat boots. The crowd cheers as they come through and Beacon Street is now completely lined with families and friends.
• 10:28 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 10:25 a.m. | Emily Rooney on Boylston:
Bomb sniffing dog pic.twitter.com/z5fOgeyJ2M
• 10:25 a.m. | Cristina Quinn in Wellesley:
Wellesley College's Munger Hall got 800 requests for signs this year-- that's 500 more than last year. #bosmarathon pic.twitter.com/44j8hPoxkX
• 10:25 a.m. | Adam Reilly and Emily Rooney at the finish line:
This man's shirt--"Martin Richard 8"--is the first explicit reference I've seen to last year's victims #bosmarathon pic.twitter.com/btNUZ5nRbi
2014 #BostonMarathon security: "Bags to the left, no bags to the right." pic.twitter.com/enB0Zy2JQh
Queue at marathon Sports pic.twitter.com/C6wtQyKNzw
• 10:19 a.m. | Meredith Nierman in Hopkinton:
• 10:07 a.m. | Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
• 9:58 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 9:20 a.m. | Meredith Nierman & Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
From the start line: "this has been a long, hard 12 months...today we take our race back!"
• 9:15 a.m. | Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
From start line...helicopters, bomb squads, ATF and Beyonce...on the speakers.
• 9:13 a.m. | Patricia Alvarado in Natick:
• 9:04 a.m. | Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
• 9:00 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
The Military Police have arrived. They showed up in a big yellow school bus, like they're on a field trip. Stationed on each corner of the intersection, they've already answered several questions about the street closures and timing of runners. One friendly military specialist (as the MPs are called) provided directions to a group of high school volunteers. It's his second marathon and his calm presence seems to reassure the quickly swelling group of spectators.
• 8:30 a.m. | Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
• 8:28 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
City workers, BAA volunteers, spectators, employees of the various shops … everyone is waiting, anticipating the crush of crowds. It feels like the calm before the storm. The streets at Coolidge Corner haven't yet been shut down. A city worker told me he's just waiting for the go-ahead. He's been here all night, getting the barricades and tents set up. He's hopeful that this year's Marathon will go smoothly, but cautions, "you can never be too careful."
• 8:07 a.m. | Jared Bowen in Hopkinton:
• 7:31 a.m. | Genevieve Gilson in Brookline:
A crisp morning, but sunny, which should burn off the light frost quickly. I caught the train from Salem - just like I do every morning. I'm a regular commuter, but today certainly feels different. Usually the cars are packed with professionals typing on laptops, calling in to the office, or reading. Today, however, there's a complete dichotomy. It's a mix of festivity (for those with a day off) and resigned business as usual - because the only thing worse than working on a holiday, is riding down with people who don't). Tired commuters stand next to excited Red Sox fans as the train screeches to a stop. We all shuffle onto the train, suits and ties mixed in with Pedroia jerseys and Sox caps. Next stop, the Green Line.
