BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- It's a sure sign of spring--the unveiling of this year's Boston Marathon street banners.
Banner Day was held on Boylston Street Monday, with city leaders, athletes, and John Hancock officials marking four weeks until the 2018 marathon with a celebration outside Marathon Sports.
The "Together Forward"-themed banner was unveiled near the race's finish line. They feature the pictures of four marathon champions, along with regular everyday runners and city views in the background.
The nation's top marathoner, Shadrack Biwott, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe it was the perfect slogan for the Boston Marathon.
"Everybody knows Boston Marathon," he said. "Whether you're a runner, whether you're a spectator, it brings everybody worldwide. People cheering for us here, and all over the country, all over the world."
John Hancock's Executive Vice President Jim Gallagher said the banners will adorn 500 light posts throughout the city.
"Our marathon theme this year, 'Together Forward,' exemplifies our collective experiences in organizing, supporting, and participating in an event that challenges us to be the best, because it demands us to be at our best not only on Marathon Monday, but in every moment leading up to race day," he said.
Mayor Marty Walsh said One Boston Day, a day of service meant to honor the victims of the marathon bombings, is extra special this year--because April 15 marks the five-year anniversary of the bombings.
"In every neighborhood, we see acts of kindness both big and small," he said. "There are food drives, cleanups, people helping hands. Support has poured in from all over the country. This is the fifth anniversary, and I know we're going to have the most powerful One Boston Day ever ... I'm asking everyone who loves this city to join us in the One Boston Day movement."
He said those interested can go to onebostonday.org to sign up for a service project, or plan their own.
Three-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein was on hand for the unveiling.
"It feels almost like Groundhog Day for marathoners," he said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports