Patriot’s Day is an official state holiday that happens on the third Monday of April. It celebrates the first battles of the American Revolutionary War and results in a three-day long weekend. The biggest celebration of Patriot’s Day is the Boston Marathon, run by thousands of people since 1897. It is one of the most respected marathons in the world, and since the Boston Bombing of 2013, people see the Marathon as a symbol of liberty and patriotism more than ever.
I decided to go encourage runners near Chestnut Hill as they were running toward their 22nd mile.
I decided to go encourage runners near Chestnut Hill as they were running toward their 22nd mile.
It was a great atmosphere. Everyone was happy to be there, cheering and holding very creative signs to try to get the attention of their champion! As we watched the race, we realized that if people came unprepared, they would suffer. Many people were in pain, stopping to catch their breath or avoid fainting/vomiting. Some were just hoping to get to the finish line by walking and others were running as if it was just a walk in the park – the latter was a minority though. Those men and women who took part in the Boston Marathon were very impressive to me and I don’t think I could ever run more than 3 hours. Whatever the running level, I have much respect for everyone who signed up for the race.
This is a short video to illustrate the intensity the Boston Marathon really presents. It is a different story when you watch it in real life rather than on TV:
This is a short video to illustrate the intensity the Boston Marathon really presents. It is a different story when you watch it in real life rather than on TV:
This year’s marathon was also a historical moment because Kathrine Switzer, the first woman who ever ran the Boston Marathon in 1967, did it again, 50 years later! At the time, she completed the all-male race but was attacked by an official who tried to pull her off the course. The crazy thing is that this year, she ran under the same number, 261, and crossed the finish line just under 25 minutes slower than her first time with 4:44:31. This is an amazing example of how an event can rally communities and make people proud to be part of something important.
Another event happening at the same time as the Boston Marathon was Mar’Mon, or Marathon Monday. I was not aware of this at all and found it quite amusing. Mar’Mon is pretty much an excuse for students to heavily celebrate the end of their year and their approaching finals on the same day as the Boston Marathon. I saw frat houses partying all day everywhere in Brighton and Allston. I found it very paradoxical to do that on the Boston Marathon Day, an event promoting, I assume, a healthy lifestyle rather than a “you only live once” student-party thing. But at this point in the semester, every student is tired and needs to let all the stress go, so, I guess this three-day long weekend is perfect to relieve any stressed or negative feelings.
One thing that is nice to do - not only during this special weekend, but anytime – is to go to Haymarket. It is Boston’s historic outdoor market where you can find the best deals EVER. Here is what I’m talking about:
Another event happening at the same time as the Boston Marathon was Mar’Mon, or Marathon Monday. I was not aware of this at all and found it quite amusing. Mar’Mon is pretty much an excuse for students to heavily celebrate the end of their year and their approaching finals on the same day as the Boston Marathon. I saw frat houses partying all day everywhere in Brighton and Allston. I found it very paradoxical to do that on the Boston Marathon Day, an event promoting, I assume, a healthy lifestyle rather than a “you only live once” student-party thing. But at this point in the semester, every student is tired and needs to let all the stress go, so, I guess this three-day long weekend is perfect to relieve any stressed or negative feelings.
One thing that is nice to do - not only during this special weekend, but anytime – is to go to Haymarket. It is Boston’s historic outdoor market where you can find the best deals EVER. Here is what I’m talking about:
- 4 potatoes for $1? Sold.
- 3lbs of bananas for $1.50? I’ll take them please thank you.
- A whole box of mangos for $4? Feels like Christmas!
It is located in the historic heart of Boston near Boston Public Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Going to Haymarket is also a way to feel even more included and connected to American culture. It is open only on Fridays and Saturdays and I would really encourage you to go because you will save a lot of money.