Thousands of runners took off Sunday morning in Boston's Run to Remember, a Memorial Day weekend tradition that honors fallen first responders.
The race returned to the city's Seaport district after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 precautions, with runners given the option of running either a 5-mile route or a half marathon.
The race started with speakers reading the names of first responders in the community who have died in the two years since the last race.
“People think it’s a long weekend, but what it really is [about is] just remembering people that have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the great weather that comes about," runner and Lynn police Officer Nick Costa said.
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Chris Marden, a first lieutenant in the Army Reserves, opted out of wearing a T-shirt and basketball shorts -- wearing 60 pounds of his gear instead on a warm day in New England.
"I figured let’s go do this and take it a notch up," said Marden. "So we’re out here in full bunker gear, and what better way to remember the fallen and honor them than to run in what they made the ultimate sacrifice in.”
Many police officers and firefighters took part in Sunday's race, including Quincy police officer Seekonk Officer Mike Knox and Quincy Officer Jimmy Dalton.
"There’s a group of 10 or 15 of us running and it’s for a good cause, and something we wanted to do it as a group,” Dalton said.
But not everyone needed to run in the race to show their support.
Michael Studer, 11, was on the sidelines at the race, showing support for his father who was running.
"I think we should all give thanks for all the first responders who definitely helped us and fought for our country, and [we're] running for a good cause,” Michael said.
The race began and finished on Seaport Boulevard, with the money raised going to local youth and community programs supported by the first responder community, as well as several other local charities.
The Boston Run to Remember was started by police officers and their friends to show support for first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We appreciate their efforts to recognize the sacrifice of law enforcement officers and first responders, while also doing good for the community,” said Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle. “We are proud to support their efforts.”
