Marathon Sunday

Blessing of the Athletes
on Marathon Sunday
April 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Join us for our annual Marathon Sunday worship services, featuring the Blessing of the Marathon Athletes and Highland Cathedral for bagpipes, drum, and organ. As the “Church of the Finish Line,” we salute one of the oldest and greatest races in the world. Marathoners join us for worship, where we pause to acknowledge the runners, their families, and volunteers. We'll ask God to bless them, to keep them safe from injury and harm, and pray, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, that they may "run and not grow weary, walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Can't make it in person? You can tune into the live stream at 9am and 11am on YouTube or Facebook.

Watch the Live Stream

Accessibility information: Wheelchair accessible; hearing loop; large-print bulletins available.

10AM FUN RUN

The Church School will revive our very short but sweet OSC Fun Run at 10am between worship services on Marathon Sunday. After convening in the Gordon Chapel, we run, walk, or roll the half-mile course down Dartmouth to Comm Ave, and then back along Exeter to Boylston. We finish by crossing the official finish line - and will take a photo together. There will be ministers running in robes! There will be race numbers! There will be prizes! Come and enjoy - no RSVP needed! All are welcome. Questions? Email children@Oldsouth.org.

GETTING TO CHURCH: 

Please note that because it is the day before the Boston Marathon, driving to the church will be very difficult this Sunday. Our block of Boylston will be closed, along with Dartmouth from St. James to Boylston. If you do drive, plan more time to get to church. Approach the Clarendon garage from the other (Huntington) side. Better yet - take the T if you can! Subway stops will be open, with the exception of the Copley Green Line T-Stop.