BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (SUFFOLK COUNTY) - The 2015 Boston Marathon was held on the rainy, windy and raw day of Monday, April 20, 2015. This was the 119th running of the Boston Marathon. Over 32,000 runners left the starting line in Hopkinton, Massachusetts and ran the 26.2 miles into the City of Boston, ending at the Boylston Street finish line. In order to keep both runners and spectators safe, a massive public safety effort is put forth, along the entire 26.2 mile route of the Marathon. Fire, EMS and Police departments all work together to ensure that the route is safe for all of those involved. Boston EMS has a large medical staging area just after the finish line on Boylston Street. Any sick or injured runners can be quickly brought into the medical tents for treatment, or transport to local hospitals if needed. EMS and Fire crews stand-by near the end of the race, in case anyone needs medical treatment as they cross the iconic finish line. Fire and EMS crews are also spread out along the entire marathon route, in case their need arises. Cities and towns along the 26.2 mile route have adequate resources, planning and procedures in place if they are required to go to work. Many public safety employees also participate in the Boston Marathon each year. The Boston Fire Department puts together a marathon team of firefighters from the area. Members of the marathon team raise money for local charities. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans is also a veteran runner of the Boston Marathon.
