Marathon excitement builds as runners and fans fill Boston

The Boston Marathon’s history was projected onto the façade of the Copley Plaza. All 127 years of this now legendary race were shown in video to wowed onlookers.

Just up the road at the Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. Usha Narayana, who grew up in Boston, says she feels lucky and excited to be running.

“It’s one of the most prestigious marathons worldwide and you can feel that energy, the love, the excitement and the anxiety. All of it,” said Narayana.

This will be her 3rd Boston Marathon. And she is one of hundreds at the expo picking up her bib.

Andy Beepath is running for the first time. He’s also local, from Roslindale.

“It is my first Boston I’ve been here since I was 11 and it’s a lifelong dream. You’ve always heard about Boston but to actually experience it and run it is a totally different thing,” said Beepath.

Inside people snapped selfies and got to see cool marathon memorabilia like legendary marathon winner Bill Roger’s training shoes cast in gold.

Johnny Gisagara’s been training along the course. He’s a little uneasy as the race approaches but says he’s ready to run.”I mean a little nervous. It’s been a long training course but I’m just ready and anxious,” said Gisagara.

His friend F.J. is also ready. Ten years ago he was volunteering at mile 17 when the bombs went off. He remembers the confusion and horror and says now he’s ready to run.

“Coming back to actually run the race a decade later it makes it even more special remembering that tine and how scary it was and then celebrating how far we’ve come since then,” said Perfas.

The event has a huge economic impact on the city.

• The Boston Marathon brings $100 million to local economy
• 30,000 runners will take part along with their fans

· The BAA estimates every runner brings 3 people with them

The Marathon Expo also runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

And Fan Fest here at Copley is open both days as well.

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