Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the 129th Boston Marathon got underway, some spectators had already been in place for hours, while others got the party started before dawn.
Over in Cleveland Circle, the Oppenheim Family showed up at 6:30 to get a prime viewing spot to cheer on Kimberly Oppenheim. Her husband, Josh, and dozens of other supporters set up a tent with food as they waited for Kimberly to pass by.
“We’ve got this really nice patch of grass. We’ve got a wall we can set our coffees on. We can see all the runners going by. It’s right at a turning spot, so you can see them from up the hill there,” said Josh Oppenheim.
On Boylston Street near the finish line, there was a group supporting “Gunner the Runner.” Gunner Currier is an 18-year-old senior at Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, N.H., and some of his classmates were attending the race for the first time to cheer him on.
“I’m his friend from school. I’m just excited to see him come through, honestly,” said one of his friends.
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The party started early at Boston College, which is located right at Mile 21. Thousands of students show out annually to support the runners and the school has provided free food, cheering sections and a concert, headlined by rapper Saweetie.
“It is so life-giving and fulfilling just to feel the energy and life of the runners and everyone cheering,” said Seho at Boston College.
Gabriel was also among those getting off to an early start in Brighton, experiencing his first Marathon Monday at Boston College. He said he planned to make a quick appearance as a spectator before getting back to partying.
“I want to see at least one runner, then I’ll come back here to the guys,” said Gabriel.
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