Last fall, I saw part of the Chicago marathon while cheering on my cousins who were running the race. It made me realize how great the Boston Marathon really is. In Chicago, the runners didn’t have their names on their shirts and most people only cheered loudly for the ones they knew. In true BC form, I cheered for each runner, even if it meant calling them by the color of their shorts.
Marathon Monday (Patriot’s Day) is a Boston and BC legend. We know it as a day of celebration, cheering, and excess. When the weather is nice, there are barbecues and people line the road for hours, cheering on every single person who comes by. Many of us make signs and even run alongside our friends to help boost their morale for the last five miles. Patriot’s Day has also become a day of drinking. So, for those BC collegiettes™ who plan on sipping from a Solo cup, and for those who will pass, here are a few tips for having fun, staying safe, and keeping out of trouble on Marathon Monday!
1. Wear sunscreen – Marathon Monday is supposed to be a gorgeous day, which bodes well for barbecuing. But amidst the drunken haze, it’s easy to forget the sun block. I know a number of people who have gotten terrible sunburns on Marathon Monday because they forgot they would be outside all day. So slather on the sunscreen!
2. Drink water – I may sound like Alcohol.edu right now, but water will keep you from getting sick. It will give you some much-needed hydration after all the alcohol you consume. Plus, it’s always a good idea to drink a little water. 8 glasses a day, right?
3. Eat – I know, again with the Alcohol.edu, but keeping some food in your stomach soaks up the excessive amounts of alcohol. Plus, there will be plenty of good food with a barbecue in front of Lower and multiple cookouts in the Mods (for those of us who are over 21).
4. Cheer on the runners – With the gorgeous weather, it’s easy and fun to hang around the Mods and tailgate for hours on end. But let’s not forget the reason for the day off! Any runner will tell you that the 21st mile is a difficult point in the race; they’ve run so far and they still have 5 miles to go! So show some support, either with signs or simply yelling at the top of your lungs. I promise it will be much appreciated. It will also give you a break from those 50 Jell-O shots you agreed to.
5. Participate in the Mile 21 campaign – As part of BC’s first ever “Spring Week” (look at the most recent UGBC newsletter for details), they’ve developed a program to help us support the runners and have some fun too! The Mile 21 Campaign is hosting a number of events on campus, from a runner send-off at 6am to a barbecue in front of Lower dining hall from 10:30-3:00. These events are geared to help celebrate the day and temper the undercurrent of intoxication on Marathon Monday.
And for those of us old enough to be in the Mods: don’t forget your ID! Here’s wishing everyone a safe, fun, and memorable Marathon Monday!
Sources:
UGBC Newsletter, April 13, 2011
http://www.bcmile21.com/
Photo Sources:
http://www.bcmile21.com/volunteer-information
http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/things-to-see…
http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/event-information/spectator-inf…
http://twitpic.com/4kwzok