Four Wiltonians have signed up to run in the 2015 Boston Marathon today, April 20. They are Jane Hoffman, Sarah Huntington, John Schiaroli and Christine Suchy.
Beginning at the starting line in Hopkinton, Mass., around 30,000 runners will make the 26-mile trek to the Boylston Street finish line in Boston.
“Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events,” according to the Boston Athletics Association, a non-profit organization established in 1887 that oversees and manages the annual race.
Divisions
The 119th annual Boston Marathon will be divided into eight divisions:
- Mobility Impaired, starting at 8:50 a.m.
- Push-Rim Wheelchair, starting at 9:17 a.m.
- Handycycles, starting at 9:22 a.m.
- Elite Women, starting at 9:32 a.m.
- Elite Men and Wave One, starting at 10 a.m.
- Wave Two, starting at 10:25 a.m.
- Wave Three, starting at 10:50 a.m.
- Wave Four, starting at 11:15 a.m.
The approximate number of entrants in each division are:
- Mobility Impaired: 50.
- Push-Rim Wheelchair: 70 (plus six duos).
- Handcycles: 18.
- Elite Women: 40.
- Elite Men and Wave One: 7,500.
- Wave Two: 7,500.
- Wave Three: 7,500.
- Wave Four: 7,500.
There will be a Boston Marathon Official Post Race Party at Fenway Park at 6:30 p.m.
Security
Following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that left more than 250 people injured and three dead, increased security was put in place last year, including at least 100 video cameras monitoring the crowd, 3,500 police officers and prohibition of unregistered runners.
Security is high again this year, according to Reuters, which reported that police have urged spectators not to bring large bags or coolers because they will be subject to search and that drones have been banned along the course.
In 2013, four Wilton residents participated in the marathon — Mark Bego, Kristin Johnson, Corinne Lee and Kari Roberts, all of which reportedly finished the race.
Weather
According to the National Weather Service, today’s weather forecast for Boston is rainy with a high near 52 degrees.
For more information on the 2015 Boston Marathon, visit the Boston Athletic Association’s Boston Marathon page.
Live streaming coverage of the 2015 Boston Marathon can be viewed here, starting at 9:30 a.m.