Boston Marathon returns to Massachusetts with first fall run

BOSTON — The first running of the Boston marathon in the fall is in the history books. Many of the runners said all that matters is that we got this one off after waiting two-and-a-half years for an in-person run.

The Boston Marathon had a more vibrant look this year for the first time ever being run in the fall. Many runners commented the fall foliage was a nice change. But the race still felt like the same old race as thousands passed over the finish line.

Knox Robinson was up from Brooklyn to run the race.

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“Everybody was here, and the vibe from getting on the busses all the way to the finish line was electric, much respect to health protocols, but runners were out here having a good time,” Robinson said.

The COVID pandemic changed many of the rules, including fewer runners, rolling starts and a big push for spectators to spread out. But people felt for the first time some promising progress.

Sadik Dokgoz has run 25 consecutive marathons.

“It felt like a recovery for everybody, like we are coming back to normal,” Dokgoz said.

From no marathons for more than two years to two within six months, most runners said April is where this race belongs. Brian Collins ran his 31st Boston Marathon this fall.

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“I think we got to go back to April. I’m a traditional guy,” Collins said.  “I must admit I enjoy something different, but [the] Boston Marathon is Patriots Day, it’s special,” Dokgoz said.

Some of the runners did comment that they felt like there were fewer people on the course. Of course, that was the BAA’s plan the entire time; fewer runners equating to fewer family and friends coming to help with social distancing.

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