There’s a specific kind of electricity that fills the air on Patriot’s Day. Even if you aren’t one of the lucky athletes tackling Heartbreak Hill this year, the Boston Marathon is a celebration every runner can get behind. It’s a day that reminds us of strength, determination, and the power of the human spirit. If you can’t make it to the finish line in person, don’t worry: you can still have the ultimate Marathon Monday experience from the comfort of your own home. Here’s how to celebrate the world’s most iconic race like the elite!
Start With A Boston Breakfast
You can’t celebrate a race in New England without the official fuel of the Northeast: Dunks! To get into the spirit, head out early to Dunkin’ for an iced coffee and a donut (or three). It’s practically a requirement for Marathon Monday. Order up your favorite latte and a classic Boston Cream, and you’re ready to rock when the morning’s elite wave starts. Boston runs on Dunkin!
Dress the Part (Unicorns Encouraged!)
Just because you aren’t wearing a bib doesn’t mean you can’t wear the colors. Dig through your clothes for anything blue and yellow, or better yet, break out your favorite Boston-themed gear. If you have a shirt with the iconic unicorn logo, today is the day it shines! Dressing the part helps bridge the distance between your living room and the course, making the spectating experience feel a lot more immersive. Plus, you can’t help but feel part of the action when you’re rocking the blue and yellow.
Watch The Action Live
Knowing how to tune in is the most important part of the day. For the most immersive experience, you’ll want to catch the professional fields early. In the U.S., live coverage can be found on ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET). Local New England coverage is on WCVB Channel 5 from 4:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET. ESPN+ and the Very Local App provide streaming services. And if you want to track particular runners, you can go straight to the “Athlete Tracker” on the B.A.A. Racing App.
Log Your Own Patriot’s Day Miles
There’s no better motivation to get outside than watching the best in the world fly through the Newton Hills. After the elite winners cross the finish line, use that surge of inspiration to lace up your own shoes. Go for a celebratory run or walk through your neighborhood, even if it’s just a mile or two (or maybe 2.62) There’s something special about knowing that thousands of runners across the globe are all hitting the pavement at the same time to celebrate the same 26.2 miles!
Host a Virtual Cheer Station
If you have a crew of running friends, turn your spectating into a social event. Start a group text or hop on a Zoom call to analyze the splits, discuss the lead pack’s strategy, and cheer on the all the runners. Sharing the excitement makes the day feel like a true community event. You can even sneak off for a little lunch or sweet treat afterwards to make it extra celebratory!
Pause for a Moment of Silence
Amidst the cheers and the blue and yellow celebrations, take a moment of silence to honor those impacted by the events of 2013. The #BostonStrong spirit is the heartbeat of this race. It’s a reminder that we don’t just run for ourselves; we run to celebrate the freedom of the road and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a testament to what the human spirit (and a lot of training) can achieve. By bringing a piece of the tradition home, you’re connecting with a global community of dreamers and doers. No matter how you spend the day, let that Boston energy carry you through your next workout.
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