'No One's Going To Be Clapping For You': Walsh Tells Runners To Keep Off Boston Marathon Course Monday
BOSTON (CBS) -- Mayor Marty Walsh is once again urging runners to stay away from the Boston Marathon route on Monday. The race normally held on Patriots' Day has been postponed to Sept. 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The mayor said running the course on Monday is "not a smart thing to do" and puts first responders and the public at risk.
"If you try to run the marathon route Monday, you're not a champion," Walsh said. "It's not a great accomplishment. You're not going to be celebrated for it. No one's going to be clapping for you, and I would ask you not to do it."
The Town of Hopkinton is also discouraging anyone from going to the course on Monday, placing extra parking restrictions near the starting line.
Boston Marathon champion Des Linden understands the desire and offered these words of advice.
"I know that's super hard I would love to be out there too, but let's be patient now so we can have the reward down the line," said Linden, who won the 2018 Boston Marathon.
Officials have said it's fine for people to go outside and get exercise while social distancing, but running along the course will not be allowed.
"If you have an idea, then you can be certain hundreds of other runners will have the same idea," Walsh said. "Save your energy until September 14."
Some dedicated athletes, like Concord Academy's Ava Glazier, found new ways to reach their goals. She ran her own 26.2 miles Friday morning through the town of Concord.
She even donned a number and a friend presented a medal. "It was an amazing experience," Ava said. "I think like all of Concord came out."
Officials don't have to worry about veteran runners like Everett police officer Robert Hall and his daughter Rachael.
"I plan on going on a run but definitely not on the marathon route," said Robert Hall.
"I know a lot of people are going to have that urge to do it, but I just think it's not going to be the same. Not having the crowds there, not having everyone there," Rachael Hall said.
Officer Hall was preparing for his 11th Boston, now he has plenty of time to log more miles for a September Boston Marathon.
"I am looking forward to the crowds. I am looking forward to people getting back to some normalcy and people not being afraid to be out in public," said Hall.
The Boston Athletic Association sent out a letter to runners asking them to stay off the course saying it would divert valuable and urgent resources from the eight communities that host the race.
