Wellesley students embrace Boston Marathon tradition. What they do to prepare for runners

WELLESLEY — No one does the Boston Marathon quite like Wellesley College.

At least, that's what Wellesley College students told the Daily News alongside the Marathon course.

For the 128th edition of the 26.2-mile footrace, Wellesley College took to Central Street to take part in the Boston Marathon's more visible — and audible — traditions: the Scream Tunnel.

One of the Marathon's most famous traditions, Scream Tunnel involves Wellesley College students enthusiastically cheering on participants. The college, a private, traditionally women's liberal arts college, is located at about the halfway point — Mile 13 — of the course. And its Scream Tunnel is known for creating some of the route's loudest moments, giving competitors a needed boost as they seek to tackle Heartbreak Hill and beyond.

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At 9:30 a.m., before even the wheelchair competitors had arrived in Wellesley, Julia Reste and her friends were already for screaming for police and people in military uniform passing through.

"I've never been to a Marathon and I think to experience this is exciting because I feel like it's a big thing here," said Reste, a first-year student from New Jersey. "There's not another college that has a tradition that's baked into its campus (like this one)."

"MarMon," as students call Marathon Monday, included the students holding signs reading "Worst Parade Ever" and "You Run Faster Than the MBTA." Along with drinks, music and the titular screaming, Scream Tunnel drew a crowd of students and non-students alike, all cheering for this year's competitors.

Wellesley College students embrace tradition at Boston Marathon

Senior Ashley Wuan explained that the crowd's energy of the crowd makes MarMon her favorite tradition.

"Cheering on the runners has such a positive vibe all around," she said. "Everyone comes out from their dorms and we all have super-hoarse throats. But you feel good after it."

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Emily Levine agreed, calling the Marathon a big commitment due to needing to wake up early and screaming for several hours.

"Wellesley is the loudest, rowdiest and funnest people really," she said. Levine said Scream Tunnel draws more than just students, something she attributes to the college's proximity to the halfway point at Wellesley Square.

MarMon also offers a reprieve of the usual Wellesley College feel. With an acceptance rate of 14%, the college is among the most elite liberal arts schools in America.

Sophomore Iza Sid said the event is "up there" among her favorites on campus because everyone comes out together to cheer.

"There's a stereotype that Wellesley students are achievement-oriented," she said. "I'm in a few clubs and we're going to cheer together. It really brings sort of a vibe of community."

Another campus tradition is offering kisses to Marathon competitors. While it was discouraged in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was back in force on this year with signs asking for participants to kiss those holding them.

First-year student Teddy Hughes was among those participating. "I've got a bit of beard burn, but it's been great," she said.

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However, for senior students, this year's Scream Tunnel was emotional. As the first group of runners passed by, Parker Phillips said it's bittersweet that she's attending her last MarMon.

"Right now the feeling hasn't hit me yet," she said. "But my friends and I usually head into Boston, and that's when the sadness will start for me because it's our last Marathon."

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Boston Marathon: Wellesley College scream tunnel amps up the volume