At the Boston Marathon, spectators line every mile of the course, offering support for runners taking on the challenging 26.2-mile race.
With cowbells in one hand and orange slices in the other, they shout encouragement, offer snacks, and turn sidewalks into aid stations of their own making.
Kids reach out for high fives, college students hand out water, beer, and sometimes liquor for those brave enough to indulge mid-race, and families hand out gummy bears, orange slices, and pretzels. Homemade signs are held above barricades, often funny and heartfelt. Some bring speakers, blasting music to keep runners’ spirits high. Others simply clap, nonstop, for hours.
It’s not official, but it’s essential. Every shout, every cup, every hand reached out in solidarity is a reminder: no one runs this course alone.
These photos capture those moments between runner and crowd, and the exchanges of energy, kindness, and support that help carry thousands to the finish line.
