Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Some of the runners in the 129th Boston Marathon had teams of supporters strategically placed to give them an extra push.
Heartbreak Hill has earned its reputation for being a difficult stretch for even the most experienced marathon runners. The Hurtin’ For Certain Striders Running Club (HFC Striders) chose to cheer on their team in a spot just before Heartbreak Hill, giving them the extra motivation to finish strong.
“It’s a way to give our athletes a little bit of a boost. Send them into the hills and send them on their merry way,” said one of the HFC Striders. “I mean, this is really the start of where it gets hard. You’re downhill for 17 miles and you turn the corner and you’re uphill for the next four.”
“Enjoy the hills,” said another one of the HFC Striders.
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Over in Wellesley, Lisa from Lowell had a team of supporters ready to cheer her on early Monday morning. Despite a long wait before Lisa would run by, they were prepared for the occasion.
“We got a cooler full of food, we have drinks, we have everything we need. For my sister-in-law, [we’ll do] anything,” said Lisa’s brother-in-law.
“If they can run that long, we can stand that long,” said Lisa’s sister.
Lisa's family also came up with some creative ways to show support.
“We have great signs that were made up by my wife and we have family here,” said Lisa’s brother-in-law. “We have a banana suit. We’re not sure who’s going to wear it, but there is a banana suit involved.”
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