Boston Marathon supporters, who came out in droves to Natick Center and along the route through town just six months ago to cheer on participants, did it all over again Monday for the race’s return to its traditional Patriots’ Day schedule.

Drummers kept the beat going in front of Morse Institute Library, and spectators stood or sat on any perch available to watch the 126th edition of the marathon and its 30,000 participants. A young band donning their finest Celtics gear, a crooner in the back of a truck in front of Dunkin’ Donuts, and a giant Will Smith head that runners were invited to, uh, tap on their way by were among the sideline sights seen as I trekked between Natick Center and Wellesley Square (we also heard about a good band at Forest and West Central that a reader was trying to identify).

Here are some pics of the scene:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drummers keep the beat going for #BostonMarathon runners through #Natick Center pic.twitter.com/CuDDBxwt7E

— Natick Report (@NatickReport) April 18, 2022

Classic pump-up tunes for #BostonMarathon runners in Natick pic.twitter.com/x81n7FHhQU

— Natick Report (@NatickReport) April 18, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all participants in the 126th Boston Marathon.

[Read more…]

On my trek along the Boston Marathon course sideline this morning from Natick Center to Wellesley Square, I saw many of the usual signs of encouragement: Boston Strong, You Got This, and the Power Up buttons.

But winning the prize for most topical runner prop: A guy at a house party on Rte. 135 west holding a giant cutout head of Will Smith—he of Oscars telecast infamy— that runners were invited to slap as they zipped on by. And slap they did…

 

 

 

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Get ready to line the Boston Marathon route and cheer on the fleet of foot—the storied race comes through Natick (and seven other towns along the 26.2-mile route) on Monday, April 18.

Significant Natick road closures include the entirety of  Rte. 135 from the Framingham line to the Wellesley line, portions of Mill Street, Speen Street, Rte. 27 (both North and South), and Union Street.

There will be multiple no parking areas in Natick. Those areas will be well marked with signage that will be hung over the weekend by the NPD.

Roads will close at 8:30am, and once the roads are closed, motor vehicles may not cross the race route.

The estimated time for reopening the roads is 3pm, but that’s an inexact science. Lt. Cara Rossi, Public Information Officer for the Natick Police Department asks residents, “Please be patient, and plan accordingly.”

The NPD encourages residents and spectators to report anything suspicious.

Best of luck to the dozens of Natick residents who are running (we’ve counted 45 participants, many of whom are running for various charities.

Natick municipal closures

Town buildings, departments, and public schoools will be closed on Monday, April 18 for Patriot’s Day and the Boston Marathon.

The Recycling Center will also be closed. Regular hours here.

Regular hours for all buildings and departments will resume on Tuesday, April 19.

United States Postal Service offices will be open, and mail delivery will take place.

MBTA trains will follow a holiday schedule for Patriot’s Day. However, due to road closures, the MWRTA Catch Connect ride share service will NOT be operating on Patriot’s Day. Regular public transportation schedules will resume on Tuesday.

Having Marathon deja vu?

The last time the Boston Marathon came through town was a mere six months ago in October 2021 as a way of making up for the lost Marathon year of 2020. That was the year organizers postponed the historic race—first to September 14, 2021, then even further out—due to coronavirus concerns. During the October 11, 2021 comeback race, instead of running through Natick as daffodils were beginning to emerge, runners made their way along a route lined with trees sporting fall foliage.