Old South Church welcomes thousands Easter & Marathon Sunday

"There are three things Mantyla encourages every new Boston Marathon runner to do:

'Number one: Buy the stuffed unicorn,' she said. 'It’s the mascot.

'Number two: Go to the Old South Church [...]'" - The Boston Globe

On the day before the 121st Boston Marathon©, “The Church of the Finish Line” welcomed nearly 3,000 people for Easter Festival Worship over the course of three separate services. Worship included a special Blessing of the Athletes with guest Carlos Arredondo to invoke the blessing. On April 15, 2013, Carlos ran toward the first explosion at the finish line to help pull down the barriers blocking first responders from the wounded. The courage of so many that day is exemplified in an iconic photo showing Carlos assisting Jeff Bauman as he is rushed from the scene of the first blast.

Hundreds Attend Annual Blessing Of The Runners At Old South Church via CBS Boston (video)

Marathoners receive blessings, prepare to run via The Boston Globe

A special blessing from hero Carlos Arredondo via The Boston Herald

Archived video of Easter Festival Worship available here.