The start of the 120th Boston Marathon is hours away and the city held several events Sunday to prepare for the big race.
Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans helped put the finishing touches on the last part of the blue line that will guide runners to the finish line. Evans and Mayor Marty Walsh also warned people to be prepared to go through security checkpoints, especially if they plan on being close to the finish line in Copley Square.
Marathon bombing survivor Heather Abbott hosted her second annual marathon fundraising event for her foundation. Abbott’s foundation raises money to help victims of traumatic limb loss get prosthetics for running, dancing and even wearing heels. The foundation is currently helping a young basketball player get fitted for a prosthetic leg.
People running in Monday’s marathon are filling up on carbs Sunday at several pre-marathon pasta dinners, including one at City Hall Plaza. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute also hosted one for runners, patients and their families. More than 50 Jimmy Fund patients have been paired up with runners from the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team.
Another pre-race meal was held at the Waterfront Westin, where special guests included bombing survivor Jeff Bauman and Jake Gyllenhaal, who will be playing Bauman in the upcoming movie "Stronger."
"I have seen my own strengths and weaknesses just spending time with him and learning about his story," said Gyllenhaal. "And for me, just as an artist, that’s what I want to do with my work."
The Westin’s event highlighted fundraising for the Boston Medical Center’s Trauma Unit, where many bombing victims were treated. Around 30 survivors, including Adrianne Haslet-Davis, will be running the marathon.
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