Boston Marathon Finish Line Volunteers Will Skip Traditional Open-Mouthed Kisses This Year, Organizers Say
/
Runners at this year’s Boston Marathon will face yet another COVID-related restriction, organizers announced today—finishers will not get their traditional open-mouthed kiss from finish line volunteers after receiving their medals.
A wet, sloppy kiss for finishers—often with tongue—is a Boston Marathon tradition stretching back to the event’s earliest days. Runners receive the kiss immediately after getting their finisher medal, typically from the volunteer who draped the medal around their neck.
“We regret to say that runners looking forward to their finish line kiss this year will be disappointed,” said Paul Stanley, a Boston Athletic Association spokesperson. “In the end, we simply could not justify continuing this tradition in light of the COVID situation.”
The 2021 race, already hit hard by the pandemic, was moved from its usual April date to October 11, runners will have to show proof of vaccination prior to race day. Stanley said that the B.A.A. is hoping for a “normal” race in 2022—including a return to the finish line kisses.
“In fact,” he said, “to celebrate, I just might show up at the finish line myself for some smooching—if my cold sore cooperates.”
