Marathon Monday

This past Monday students across the city of Boston celebrated what can be argued as the best holiday ever. Marathon Monday.

Marathon Monday falls on the third Monday in April each year, also known as Patriots’ Day (a state holiday in Massachusetts). The event began in 1897 and is the world’s oldest annual marathon. Each year over 26,000 runners participate in the 26.2-mile hilly race from Hopkinton, MA to Copley Square in Boston, while over 500,000 spectators line the sides of the course to cheer and encourage the runners. To add to tradition, the Boston Red Sox play a home game at 11a.m. on Marathon Monday each year.

Between the thousands of runners trekking through the streets of Boston, the passionate spectators, and the rowdy crowds from Fenway, Boston is bustling with excitement all day long during this historic holiday. Because of this, local businesses and universities in Boston are closed so that employees and students can enjoy the festivities.

Between the (usually) warm weather, a three-day weekend, and the end of the academic year in sight, there’s no holding back when it comes time to celebrating on campus. Rather than waste the day sleeping in, my friends and I wake up early, like excited kids on Christmas morning, to enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs before traveling to South Campus or Kenmore Square to support individuals running for a cause (we usually don’t make it to see the elite runners break records). Many of the runners have their names on their shirts - one of my favorite parts about the Marathon is personally encouraging people to keep running. Since turning 21, we’ve spent less time watching the actual race and have spent more time visiting local bars that are open by 10a.m. The day usually catches up with us by 4p.m. and we’re ready for an afternoon Marathon Monday nap, much like the popular Thanksgiving Day nap. We’re awake by 7p.m. disoriented and confused as to how this wondrous day went by so quickly and already looking forward to the following third Monday in April.

While other universities celebrate the end of the semester with a “Spring Weekend” BU students look forward to partaking in an elite, historical event each April to mark the beginning of spring and the end of the semester. Although my days of celebrating this great holiday as a student are officially over, regardless of where I am next year I will be up bright and early the third Monday in April excited to celebrate Christmas day.