Boston Marathon brings thousands of runners to Boston for 130th race

About 30,000 runners from around the world gathered in Boston ahead of Monday's 130th Marathon, with a runners expo at the Hynes Convention Center and a Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza.

The Boston Marathon is hours away as runners and supporters gather in the city after months of training. Participants and their families collected race numbers and merchandise at the runners expo near the finish line. Fan Fest activities and entertainment were held in City Hall Plaza this weekend. The race starts just after 9 a.m. Monday in Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street, marking the 130th running of the event. Event details: - About 30,000 runners from around the world were preparing to run the marathon. - Runners and guests visited the Hynes Convention Center for the expo and were active on Boylston Street near the finish line. - Some participants described this as a meaningful tradition; one runner traveled from the United Kingdom and another has run the race many times. - Thousands of runners were also raising money for causes, including a participant running with the Blood Cancer United team on behalf of a family member who beat leukemia. - Fan Fest at City Hall Plaza included food, entertainment and activities for attendees. - The 26.2-mile course begins in Hopkinton, passes through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton and Brookline, and ends on Boylston Street in Boston. Summary: The gathering ahead of the race highlighted international participation, long-running personal traditions, and charitable fundraising linked to the event. The marathon is scheduled to start just after 9 a.m. Monday in Hopkinton and follow the established 26.2-mile course into Boston.