Boston Mayor Marty Walsh doubled down on his message to runners to stay away from the Boston Marathon route Monday amid the coronavirus crisis, but some people were seen crossing the finish line anyway.
Parking restrictions were placed in downtown Hopkinton, around the town common and near the starting line to act as a deterrent amid concerns that some people might attempt to go out and run the course on Monday.
Walsh posted a reminder to social media again Sunday, saying Patriots Day is about a "moment in history when Bostonians led the fight and sacrificed for the greater good” and urging people to “do the right thing and let the first responders focus on those in need.”
City officials and the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the race, decided to postpone the Boston Marathon until Sept. 14 back in March because of the coronavirus crisis.
Each year 4,000 local and state first responders and medical personnel work to support the marathon, according to the Boston Athletic Association, but this year they are busy working the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
"If you try to run the marathon route Monday you are not a champion you are actually not helping us. You are putting people at risk," Walsh said. "It’s not a great accomplishment. You’re not going to be celebrated for it. No one is gonna be clapping for you."
