A single word painted across a street is one of the most famous landmarks in Boston. A blue-and-yellow FINISH streaked across Boylston Street marks the end of the world famous 26.2 run. Year-round, visitors from around the world can see where the historic Boston Marathon finishes – and imagine the runners crossing the line on Patriot's Day.
Just a few miles away, there's a new finish line marker that's telling the story about another Boston race. For two days in October, two massive buoys indicate the finish line for the Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR). During the rest of the year, a lone cement pole, stuck into the grass, marked the finish line for those racing or practicing on the course.
Finally, two permanent finish line stanchions – one in Cambridge, one in Boston - have been installed to mark the end of the three-mile journey from the Boston University Boathouse to Artesani Park. Each steel and granite marker, designed by Carlos Ridruejo, features an etched map of the regatta's infamous course.
The markers came to fruition after Herb Nolan from the Solomon Foundation contacted HOCR. The Foundation was working on a major project to reduce the four-lane Greenough Boulevard to two-lanes and turn the extra space to a sprawling park along the river, where once there was only a narrow path for runners, walkers and cyclists. Nolan had the excellent idea to replace the ugly cement marker with something more beautiful to enhance and compliment this new park - the Greenough Greenway.
On a bright Tuesday morning, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), (and former rower!) Matthew A. Beaton, State Representative Kevin Honan, Vicary Graham, President of BNY Melon Wealth Management New England, and Nolan, joined HOCR Executive Director Fred Schoch to dedicate the new markers as symbols of the Regatta for rowers and non-rowers to enjoy year-round. To celebrate, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Gevvie Stone, and HOCR Board Member Roger Borggaard, who raced in the first ever HOCR in 1965, rowed their singles by as the ceremonial first athletes across the finish line.
"I crossed this finish line seven times, some better races, some not so good races, some oar entanglements under Weeks Bridge," said Secretary Beaton, referencing the many times he raced HOCR during his twelve years as a competitive rower. "We are so very pleased to be partners with the Regatta at EEA through DCR; to have the ability to partner with a race that is so meaningful for me is special."
"We are grateful to the cities of Cambridge and Boston, the DCR, and the Solomon Foundation for making this tribute to our race possible. After nearly 52 years, it is special to have a year-round presence in our communities," said Schoch.
Don't forget to check out these brand new markers when you're in town for HOCR in less than two weeks!
See the full gallery from the event HERE.
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