1. This Rosie the Riveter look-a-like returned to the Boston Marathon in the name of love:
Where were you last year? "I was celebrating the human spirit."
Why did you come today? "To show I'm not afraid and I love our strength."
2. This horse man came back to make sure Boston didn't lose its strength:
Where were you last year? "I was keeping Boston strong."
Why did you come today? "I am keeping Boston strong!"
3. This runner couldn't think of a reason not to:
Where were you last year? "Corner of Com[monwealth Avenue] and Hereford [Street]."
Why did you come today? "Why not? Boston strong!"
4. Same for this on-looker:
Where were you last year? "Helping the handicapped watch the marathon!!"
Why did you come today? "How could I not?"
5. This pirate decided work < human achievement.
Where were you last year? "Last year I was working."
Why did you come today? "This year I'm supporting the human spirit."
6. This group of runners had unfinished business:
Where were you last year? "Running but stopped at mile 25."
Why did you come today? "To finish what we started together."
7. This ginthusiast never breaks tradition:
Where were you last year? "I was drinking a gin and tonic."
Why did you come today? "Still drinking a gin and tonic. It's tradition."
8. This spectator just couldn't stay away:
Where were you last year? "Mile 24."
Why did you come today? "I'm overwhelmed by the stamina of human perseverance."
9. This friend to the north knew there was no better year to tackle the Boston Marathon than this one:
Where were you last year? "Sarnia, Ontario at home."
Why did you come today? "My goal was to run a Boston sometime in my life."
10. This spectator made a sobering realization:
Where were you last year? "At a Star Market buying beer to celebrate the amazing athletes."
Why did you come today? "Why would you ever live in fear!!!"
11. This three-time marathon runner said that in every marathon he's ever ran before an American has won, so OF COURSE he had to run this year:
Where were you last year? "Driving in Mississippi."
Why did you come today? "'73, '75, '14 all American wins!"
12. This party animal came back because it was the most metal thing he could think of:
Where were you last year? "Kenmore party."
Why did you come today? "Pantera."
13. This group of friends had to remind 'em whose house this is:
Where were you last year? "One mile away."
Why did you come today? "This is our f***ing city! #bostonstrong."
14. This runner did it for ALL runners:
Where were you last year? "At work at a news company, tracking all the updates :("
Why did you come today? "For runners everywhere for unity and because it's Boston!"
15. This guy remembered two very important things:
Where were you last year? "I was underground."
Why did you come today? "Stay strong and drink."
16. This woman had to see her friend finally finish the race:
Where were you last year? "I was in Coolidge Corner cheering on my boi!!"
Why did you come today? "Finally getting to see him finish!"
17. This runner came back in the name of community:
Where were you last year? "Running but was stopped on Boylston."
Why did you come today? "Really wanted to come back to finish and be a part of the race after what happened last year."
18. This knight in shining armor knows no fear:
Where were you last year? "I was at Park & Beacon. I did not tremble in fear instead I trembled in excitement at the idea of Boston fighting as one in the face of those who would challenge us."
Why did you come today? "I return because of those who are stronger than fear."
19. This woman came to remember what's most important in life:
Where were you last year? "Two hours away calling friends and fam."
Why did you come today? "To spend time with each of those phone calls."
20. And these runners wanted to stand up to the bullies:
Where were you last year? "I was sitting at my desk at work in downtown Boston (boring!)"
Why did you come today? "I ran because I can't stand what those jerks did to us."