With approximately 500,000 spectators, the Boston marathon is New England's most widely-viewed sporting event. More than 1,100 media members from over 250 outlets were expected to receive media credentials in 2006.
For the entire distance of the race, thousands line the sides of the course to cheer the runners on, encourage them, and provide free water and snacks to any of the runners. The crowds are even more encouraging for the amateur runners and first time runners. At Wellesley College, located in the 13th mile, it is tradition for the students to cheer on the runners in what is referred to as the "scream tunnel."
Every year, the Boston Red Sox play a home game at Fenway Park, starting at 11:05 a.m. (10:05 a.m. in 2007). When the game ends, the crowd empties into Kenmore Square to cheer as the runners enter the final mile. This tradition started in 1903. In the 1940s the Red Sox and the Boston Braves (now Atlanta Braves) would alternate yearly as to which team would play the morning game. In 2007, the game between the Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was delayed until 12:05 p.m. due to heavy rain. The marathon, which had previously been run in a wide variety of weather conditions, was not delayed.
No comments:
Post a Comment