- As some runners arrived three hours before the start of the race, Athlete’s Villiage soon became full of people mentally preparing themselves for the 26.2 miles ahead of them. By Kathryn C. Reed
- Every athlete had his or her own preparation strategy. While some listened to music or took advantage of the free pre-race massages, this woman instead hydrated with a two-liter bottle of Mountain Dew. By Kathryn C. Reed
- Because an athlete’s official time did not start until his or her foot crossed the start line, most walked the first quarter mile from where they were corralled. Nonetheless, volunteers were there each step of the way with water in hand. By Kathryn C. Reed
- Volunteers arrived at the Hopkinton Middle School as early as 5:30 a.m. yesterday morning in order to prepare for the 25,000 runners who would soon arrive. Athlete’s Village included rows of water bottles, bagels, and bananas as well as 490 Porta Potty facilities. By Kathryn C. Reed
- Before making their way to the starting line, runners passed their belongings to volunteers to be loaded on buses that would meet the athletes at the finish line. By Kathryn C. Reed
- As runners neared the start line, they began to shed excess layers that wouldn’t be needed on the miles ahead. While sweatshirts flew in the air, volunteers collected the clothing so that it could be donated to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. By Kathryn C. Reed
- Members of the Naval Academy Marathon Team start the Boston Marathon yesterday morning in Hopkinton, Mass. Over 26,000 runners participated in this year’s race, which spanned over 26 miles and ended in Boston. By Kathryn C. Reed
This year's Boston Marathon attracted over 26,000 participants. Photographer Kathryn C. Reed documents the pre-race preparations, which start as early as 5:30a.m.