Three-time Olympian Eric Gillis helps reveal Boston Marathon banners
Eric Gillis joined four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers, two-time Olympian Desiree Linden and the Boston mayor to reveal the street signs on Tuesday.
Three-time Olympian Eric Gillis is currently in Boston scoping out the marathon course ahead of the April 17 race. The 37-year-old is fresh off a sub-1:04 half-marathon performance at the United Airlines NYC Half and travelled to Boston with Halifax Road Hammers coach, Lee McCarron, four weeks out from the big race.
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On Tuesday, Gillis, in a brief program on Boylston Street in downtown Boston, joined Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Bill Rogers and Desiree Linden to help reveal the 2017 Boston Marathon street banners. Following the ceremony, roughly 500 banners will be installed around Boston in celebration of the race which will be run this year on April 17.
500 banners going up around #BostonMarathon #FinishLine today #BeBoston @EricGillis42_2k @des_linden @BillRodgersRACE pic.twitter.com/NXtbJ2cLOU
— Boston Marathon Pro (@BostonMar_Pro) March 21, 2017
The group helped race sponsor John Hancock reveal the banners which will celebrate both the history of the race and the thousands of unique personal moments created through involvement in it.
.@BillRodgersRACE @des_linden @EricGillis42_2k @marty_walsh @JohnHancockUSA Jim Gallagher #BannerDay #BeBoston pic.twitter.com/P5qkgEGEFn
— Boston Marathon Pro (@BostonMar_Pro) March 21, 2017
In a departure from the photographic style of recent Boston Marathon banners, this year’s are illustrated, giving a nod to legacy banners from years ago. The outline sketch on each of the eight banner designs represents the history that has defined the race, while vibrant, full color indicates the “now” moment. Thematically they’re about the Boston Marathon journey – from what inspires someone to choose Boston, to how one prepares to get there, and what is experienced when the day comes.
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“The Boston Marathon has come to represent the strength, resilience and goodwill of the people of Boston,” said Mayor Walsh. “It embodies not only every moment that has made up the history of the race, but also the special spirit of our City. I thank John Hancock for their partnership in ensuring that the Boston Marathon continues to be one of the world’s best.”
Rodgers is a four-time Boston Marathon champion while two-time U.S. Olympic marathoner Linden is itching to win the 2017 edition of the world’s most historic race. Gillis, meanwhile, will be making his Boston Marathon debut; fellow Canadian Rachel Hannah will join Gillis among the elite men’s and women’s fields for the second of the calendar year’s Abbott World Marathon Majors.
From a John Hancock press release.
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