By Michele Taranto

The Boston Marathon is the champion of running competitions and athletes come from all over the world to contend in this legendary event, and it all kicks off just a few towns from Norwood. In Massachusetts, some workers may look forward to this day it for its selective Patriot’s Day holiday status, but for runners, it’s Game Day!

The 129th Boston Marathon starting gun will go off on Monday, April 21. The men’s and women’s wheelchairs will start at 9:06 a.m. and 9:09 a.m., respectively, handcycles and duos at 9:30 a.m., and professional men and women at 9:37 a.m. and 9:47 a.m., the para-athletics division at 9:50 a.m., then waves 1-4 through 11:15 a.m.

A total of 18 Norwood residents will be lacing up and heading to Hopkinton on Patriot’s Day to take part in this local, national, and international renowned tradition. They have spent months testing and strengthening their muscles and endurance, battled New England weather, all to reach their goal of 26.2 miles and cross that finish line in Copley Square.

Name                                                       Age

Thomas Ahearn                                         61

Ryan Bower                                              39

Jillian Cartwright                                       28

Ashling Devaney                                       26

Michael Duggan                                        38

Connor Flynn                                            27

Amanda Jaccino                                        31

Kirsten Kalkhurst Burbo                             57

Allison Kelleher                                        24

Jack Kelley                                               23

Sean Kineavy                                            28

John Mcgourty                                          65

Roberta Myers                                          59

Du Park                                                    34              

Jaclyn Poulos                                            45

Valerie Quinlan                                         27

Sean Rooney                                             45

Erik Vik                                                   32

If you happen to see any of these residents around town before the race, be sure to wish them luck!