Truly, A Run to Remember

The E Streeters hit the road this Memorial Day weekend to take part in a truly moving tribute to fallen law enforcement officers, this year made even more poignant by the loss of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier during the week of the Boston Marathon attacks.  And as you can see by our backs, we were only too proud to represent this fallen officer as we took the streets of Boston for the Run to Remember half-marathon and five mile road races.

First off, in case you're wondering, yes, it really was as cold as we look here before the start.  So much for May temperatures.  Of course, the race did start at 7 a.m., so this 6:15 a.m. pic reflects the weather at that ungodly time.

After finally winding our way over to the start, we connected with fellow E Streeter Gina Spaziani

And about 12,000 of our running buddies

These feet are ready to run

Just what the hell are these guys doing behind one another's back?  (See top pictures)

The first mile of the run offered some tremendous Boston skyline backdrops

Off through financial district and government center, we wound our way past Faneuil Hall, and finally to one of the cooler points, crossing the Longfellow Bridge.  We think Charlie was riding the T next to us as we crossed.

Heading past MIT was one of the highlights of the trek, as Massachusetts State Troopers lined the bridge overhead and we ran beneath the Sean Collier banner commemorating his life and the police department he nobly served

And next up was the true highlight of the voyage, as we passed dozens of police officers standing aside their police cruisers, high-fiving literally thousands upon thousands of runners as they passed.  Kudos to Barry and Andrew who took the time to stop and thank each of the officers for serving and protecting.  Even Tommy and Carlos slowed their pace to stop and say thanks.

It wasn't the Kenmore Square Citgo sign, but the Shell station heading into Harvard Square still provided a nice photo op for Andrew

And finally, after winding our way through Beacon Hill, the Boston Common, the theatre district, and back to the Seaport, it was time to display our medals.  And an orange.  Tommy couldn't join us, he was over at the Harpoon Brewery.  Kudos, also, to Gina, and to Nick Laganas, who ran the race but got lost amidst the sea of runners.

Glad we could support such a worthy cause.  Huge props to the Boston Police Department and the Boston Police Runners Club for helping race organizers pull everything off without a hitch.

Today, 12,000 runners ran Collier Strong.