One of the many security checkpoints along the #BostonMarathon - don't even think of bringing a bag. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlvvMrmIgAAquuq.jpg
Huge line of bike cops driving down Newbury St. #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blvv88mIUAAPOp9.jpg
#boston is a runner's city. Side streets packed w/ people on their daily runs, all ending of course at coffee shop. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlvxvUlIgAAHCzP.jpg
The finish line is already crowded with spectators and police, with people squeezing through gaps in metal security barriers to get to their preferred watching spot.
Outside the Cactus Club, a restaurant on the corner of Fairfield and Boylston, were Betsy Wienslaw and Aubrey Cornforth, both 27, who watched the Marathon at the same spot last year. They thought about not coming back this year because of security concerns, but the checkpoints and barriers have made them feel safe today, and they decided it was important to show their support.
Plus, this is one of the only days this can get Sam Adams 26.2, a special marathon beer.
"It's one of the best days in Boston," Wienslaw said.
Announcer at finish line says race is underway, while colorful Bostonians at finish line get some photo attention. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blvy7xyIYAAy8S-.jpg
National Guard troops are among those running the Marathon route this morning as they help with security. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blv0lRJIAAA8at6.jpg
T shirt at finish line: "if a marathon were easy, it would be called your mother. Boston Strong." http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blv1a_eIMAA06VL.jpg
Fans getting progressively louder down Comm Ave #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwsMtlIAAAUDfJ.jpg
This guy thought this was a great place/time to read a good book. #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwsyXiIAAAKWiS.jpg
Runners entering tunnel at Mass. ave. #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwtZTqIQAAhlAW.jpg
#boston stoops going strong. #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwvV6IIMAAl_Gs.jpg
Lady just asked this cop to hold her baby. Boston PD- ridiculously helpful. #BostonMarathon http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwvuEsIYAA4yjj.jpg
The cheering is so loud on Hereford St, the last turn before the finish #BostonMarathon .. It's wonderful http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BlwwZtNIYAAU4Xw.jpg
Meet Jake! Jake just finished the #BostonMarathon in 2:44:48! Go Jake! http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blw0YThIEAAOvdT.jpg
Amy Brakeman was among those fans lining the route. She remembers her father, George McDonald, qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 1979. That was when they were living in Palos Verdes, Calif.
Now, she lives in Wellesley, Mass. Her father, who is 80, lives in Long Beach, Calif., but they were both following the race today.
"I think of my dad each time I come out here to watch the marathon," Brakeman said, who got her dad on the phone for a joint interview.
Asked to remember the most enjoyable moment of that long-ago race (next to finishing, of course), McDonald did not hesitate. "The tunnel of screams," he said, referring to a stretch outside Wellesley college. "There was a huge mob of girls, screaming. It was the highlight."
McDonald went on to finish other marathons, but he never did Boston again.