NATICK, Mass.-  It's not everyday you get to see your friends run the Boston Marathon.

Mark Szretter and his family had the chance to experience it again in-person on Monday.

"It's so exciting to see our friend," Szretter said. "He's running for the first time in Boston. He just qualified for the first time. So, given that they cut the field 30%, it's incredible that he's been able to run." 

What You Need To Know

  • Thousands lined the route of the Boston Marathon to watch runners compete Monday
  • The race is returned to in-person after COVID-19 forced the BAA to cancel in 2020 and reschedule in 2021 
  • This is the first time the marathon was run in October
  • The 2022 Boston Marathon is still scheduled to take place in April

Szretter was not alone. Thousands of spectators lined the route stretching from Hopkinton to Boston as the iconic race returned following a two-year hiatus.

"We've been waiting for it," Szretter said. "Grew up here in Natick and it's really exciting. The marathon is part of our culture here. So, it's a reminder of community and the ways we come together."

"It's just incredible to be out in the community,' said Debbie Gomes, who was watching the race. "This is just amazing to feel the energy here. It's beautiful. Warms our hearts."

In Natick, right around the course's halfway point, Jeff Horan was watching the runners, decked out in his marathon gear. The three-time marathoner was unable to take part this year, but knew exactly what participants were going through.

"It takes a tremendous amount of training and commitment to train for something like this," Horan said. "It's something that takes years in the making."

The marathon has never happened in October, but COVID-19 forced the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) to rethink this year’s date. They held it virtually in 2020, but the race wasn't the same. And while excited to be back, Horan is ready to have the race return to it's normal time.

"I want to get back to start on Patriot's Day in April, and looking forward to keeping that tradition going for hundreds of more years," Horan said.

If you plan on running in the 2022 Boston Marathon, well you only have six more months to get get prepared because it's still scheduled for April.