frjack Loc: Boston, MA

If it is the third Monday in April it is Patriot's Day and time for the marathon. I live with two other Jesuits in a satellite community that is about 100 yards off the course. I generally take my first post at mile 21. Because it is a very residential area and a bit of a schlep from the T (the subway) it is easy to find a place at the barricades.

The weather was perfect though probably a tad warm for the runners. Clouds helped to mitigate the effect of full-bore sun. It was an odd race compared with previous years (I've shot six of the past seven). The man who is going to go on to win some five miles later is usually embedded in a pack of 8 to 10. As you will see, the Ethiopian Sisay Lemma was alone, about 1/2 mile ahead of the others. The "pack" behind him was only three, one of whom was last year's winner, but it was minutes before they arrived. On the other hand the women left the start in a tight pack and finished the same way.

Shot with EM1 mkii using 70-300 mm lens at 75 mm.

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A few steps later at 75 mm. He was one traffic lane away from me during this shot.

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The women's pack. Hellen in the turquoise shirt won for the second year in a row. She is going to try for a three-peat net year.

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As I noted, a glorious day.

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Army men running in camo and boots. They must be a podiatrist's delight. Can't imagine. I was a runner for 26 or so years but can't imagine running in combat boots.

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My personal favorite. Shot at 300 mm. Was very happy that I was able to get some reflections. The man is in a wheelchair. I was probably ten feet away or less when taking this.

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luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Very nice!! I love the last one!!!

Dodie

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks. I too love the last one for a lot of reasons. Two years ago I got a shot of a runner with similar sunglasses in which the reflections of the towers of BC are visible in his glasses. It too worked much better in black and white.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Great set!!!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Great photos. Thank you.

Dennis

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, Frjack.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

What an interesting set! When I went through Airborne training (1961)and for some time thereafter, my running in the Army was in combat boots. My knees can prove that (LOL).

doxphoto Loc: Allentown, PA

Great set!
The jogging GIs are just nuts.
The final shot is a classic. Well done!

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Some fine images frjack. As already stated, the last image really stands out. If I entered the race I would still be running!

Don

jimvanells Loc: Augusta, GA

Great series frjack!

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

I know the feeling. Ran for 26 years. Neuromuscular disease ended that. But I can still lift a camera. That last image was worth all the standing. Third Monday April 2025? I'll be out there again.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Better than me who would be lying on the embalmer's table.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks Doc. Used a 70-300 at 300. Very satisfying to see it download. Much better in black and white as the glasses give a bizarre color effect that obscures the reflections.