I spent most of my day photographing the 126th Boston Marathon between miles 20 and 21. I wandered up and down Heartbreak Hill in Newton. I probably never went further than 300 yards, but I can tell from how the runners look in the photos where I was standing when I took the shots. From the center of the hill, you can feel the pain in their expressions. Though just a football field away, you can see joy sneaking in when some of them see the banner that reads “Congrats on summiting Heartbreak Hill.” Cheers, arms raised in victory, fist pumps, and even selfies while running. It’s downhill from there.
I usually photograph closer to the start, Hopkinton, and Ashland. I like the vast groups and the smiles, but this was even more powerful. The determination is contagious. I find the wheelchair racers to be the most inspiring each year, but something about seeing them barely moving as they push themselves up that hill is the best of the human spirit. “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” – Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon 50 years ago.
Congratulations to all who ran volunteered, supported, and even watched – it has become one of my favorite events to photograph. I took hundreds of photos, and I did not know one person. If you want to see the complete collection of strangers doing great things, you can click here.
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