Legendary Race to be Held Monday, October 11

By Grace Allen

In just under two weeks, thirteen local residents will join thousands of others and set off from Hopkinton to run the 26.2 miles to Boston in the 125th Boston Marathon. Runners get a bib by entering with a qualifying time or by running for a charity.

Last year’s Boston Marathon was a completely virtual event held in the fall because of the pandemic. This year’s race was postponed from its traditional date, Patriot’s Day in April, in the hope that the pandemic would abate.

Several health and safety precautions have been implemented by the Boston Athletic Association in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Entrants must provide proof of vaccination or produce a negative COVID-19 test administered by a B.A.A. testing provider.

Other virus mitigation efforts include a reduced field size of 20,000 entrants and enforced mask usage on race-day busses and other indoor public settings per Boston’s indoor mask mandate. 

In addition to the in-person marathon, this year there will also be a virtual Boston Marathon to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the iconic race. Participants will need to complete 26.2 miles in one, continuous attempt. At press time, close to 28,000 people had registered to run (or walk) the virtual race. Finishers receive a special medal.

The following residents will be running the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston on October 11:

Norfolk entrants: Christopher Allen, 27; Allary Braitsch, 40; Michael Dunlop, 51; Jonathan Gavin, 37; and Daniel Kasmarek, 39.

Wrentham entrants: Gianna Bender, 24; Melissa Booth, 49; Mark Conley, 56; Daniel Gundler, 49; George Labonte, 41; Michael Rossi, 35; Timothy Sheehan, 28; and Marc Waxman, 49.