Boston Marathon excitement builds as runners from around the world arrive to pick up bibs
Ahead of the Boston Marathon on Monday, runners from all over the world arrived in Boston Friday to pick up their bibs, visit the expo downtown and take in the atmosphere before the big race.
"Electric, very exciting, just feels like Boston comes together for one day," said one runner visiting the finish line on Boylston Street.
Runners picking up marathon bibs
The Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center was packed with so many excited and anxious runners picking up their bibs. They were also picking up marathon swag and even shopping for some last-minute sneakers.
"I'm most excited just for, like, the energy at the finish. All my family's coming to town, my best friend just flew in from Idaho," said Boston resident Danny Orlando, who is running the marathon for the first time.
The runners know it's a grueling 26.2-mlie race from Hopkinton to Boston.
"Semi-nervous because of the hills. But hills pay bills, so I'll be out there," said a runner at the expo picking up her bib. "We're the city of champions, you hear all that roaring, it's just going to carry you throughout the whole marathon and I'm excited."
Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza
At City Hall Plaza, workers were busy Friday evening putting the finishing touches on the Fan Fest.
"Starts today, so we have a lot of activities here," said Will Pollard, the director of event operations for the Boston Athletic Association. "There's a lot of giveaways, there's going to be bands, music, games, all sorts of good fun stuff."
The Boston Marathon features runners from all around the world. In addition to Orlando from Boston, WBZ-TV also met runners from Hong Kong and Venezuela.
