Beantown on the Horizon
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For most people,
April 1st is a time to brush off the practical jokes and silly
humor. For more than 20,000 runners, however, the advent of April signals the
build-up of nerves in anticipation of the annual Boston Marathon.
Whether you’re
among the elite group of athletes qualified for Boston, or you’re on hand to cheer them as
they run, the event offers excitement for everyone. Last year was particularly
special, as Americans Deena Kastor, Magdalena Lewy Boulet and Blake Russell
raced their way onto the 2008 US Women’s Olympic Marathon Team in the Olympic
Trials that preceded the marathon. The following day, Dire Tune of Ethiopia
sprinted to the closest ever Boston
women’s finish, beating her nearest competitor by a mere two seconds.
It’s hard to know
what surprises this year’s event will hold, but one thing is for certain: as
one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events, Boston is sure to draw some fierce
competition and festive crowds.