marathons make me cry

Even when they are not the scene of senseless violence, like what unfolded in Boston yesterday, marathons choke me up. 
Witnessing so many people trying so hard to do their very best is an enduringly powerful thing. 

Running is pure in a way that organized sports are not, so the unadulterated effort shines through.
That said, I don’t have a desire to run one.  I like watching them and I’ve volunteered at both the Seattle and Boston marathons.  Here’s a picture of Seattle marathon runners passing in front of the Rem Koolhaas library, in November.