Putting the final touches on the Boston Marathon’s famous finish
Diane Kilgore | April 16, 2016
(Courtesy of Peppi Bolognese)
The stage is set for 30,000 eager rollers, racers and pacers to see an unassuming man’s vivid professional and emotional contribution to Boston’s marathon.
Internationally heralded as one of the world’s most prestigious races, Boston’s 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton into the Hub is the oldest marathon in the nation, dating back to 1897. Today’s daffodil-dotted route is also a cross-cultural celebration of Patriots’ Day, family fun and goodwill. As the pulse of the city with spring fever quickens, it’s estimated more than 500,000 people wait for athletes to cruise, crawl and crash towards the newly freshened finish line on Boylston Street. Together, participants and spectators embrace the spirit of trying to reach the seemingly impossible dream of finishing the race with grace — irrespective of time.
Adding to the festive atmosphere of the main event, the Boston Red Sox annually plan the wrap up of their nine-inning classic to coincide with the approximate conclusion of the great race. After the game, it’s the tradition of fans and players to flood Kenmore Square to cheer on racers as they approach the finish line. The iconic Citgo sign is another triangulated symbol of Boston’s celebrated mix of history, sportsmanship and most recent Boston Strong display of courage in the face of adversity.
Most days of the year, painted strokes of yellow — with shades of blue and accents of white — replicate the marathon’s 26.2 Back Bay landmark. The design delights and inspires residents and tourists of Boston as they visualize their own sneakered feats of accomplishment, be they actual or virtual.
Thursday, in advance of the main event, Peppi Bolognese and his crew of installers asked Boston Police to sequentially detour traffic around Boylston Street as they prepared to install an acrylic version of the famed finish line. Old-fashioned broom work, chemical solvents and heat blasters were part of the fancy finish-line installation makeover that Bolognese’s company has proudly been a part of for more than 15 years.
Walking into Bolognese’s Lynn office and workshop, rolls of acrylic tubing stand on end, each row creating the appearance of walking through an oversized Crayola box. Most days the company uses those colorful tubes to shrink-wrap the sides of large corporate trucks or small company delivery vans with eye-catching artwork extending their branding logo onto their business vehicles. Smaller decals with school affiliation and perforated sunscreens also keep the company rolling through acrylic tubes and laser-cutting equipment.
“Walking into (Peppi) Bolognese’s Lynn office and workshop, rolls of acrylic tubing stand on end, each row creating the appearance of walking through an oversized Crayola box.”
Professionally installing the Boston Marathon finish line decal manufactured by another company, Bolognese and his crew have enjoyed sharing the city’s tradition of transforming a small section of Boylston Street for its annual glamour shot. Those who work at this unassuming, unsung task have taken pride in their connection to the city. Sadly, this year, one of their most joyful cheerleaders was lost to ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).
In November Maureen, the loving wife of Peppi, passed away after a personal struggle with the disease known for sparking the #ALSIceBucketChallenge. A friend of the Frete’s family, Maureen likewise embodied the spirit of staying strong in the face of adversity.
Celebrations of patriotism, family fun, and goodwill were daily landmarks of this kindergarten teacher’s life. She celebrated the meaning of the finish line installation with pride in her city, pride in the athletes from around the world and pride in her family’s vivid professional contribution to the spirit of the Boston Marathon.
The stage has been set for one of the world’s most prestigious races to return its special joy to our strong city. As the crowds teem with excitement and encouragement, Maureen Bolognese’s spirit lives on in the celebrations of 30,000 people who strive to finish their race; in their time, on their terms.
Inspired by sneakered feats of accomplishment, be they actual or virtual, the vivid meaning of the finish line lives on when we live life BOSTON STRONG!
