Boston Marathon A reenacted playing Paul Revere rode down Boylston Street towards the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

By Kelly Chan

April 21, 2025 | 12:02 PM

Before the Boston Marathon kicked off on Monday morning, colonial militia reenacters walked down on Boylston Street to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.

A Paul Revere actor on horseback even shouted, “The runners are coming!” as he rode toward the finish line, honoring Revere’s historic midnight ride on April 19, 1775.

However, the actors did not exactly ride smoothly across the finish line, as Revere’s horse got scared by the large blue finish line decal. The reenacters hopped off their horses and walked with them across the last few steps of the way.

David Cunningham of the New England Patriots End Zone Militia walks towards the finish line before the start of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025. – Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Colonial militia reenactors cross the finish line during a ceremony for the Patriot’s Day holiday prior to the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Boston. – AP Photo/Charles Krupa

A reenacter playing Paul Revere rode down Boylston Street towards the finish line during the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025. – Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

A reenactor portraying Paul Revere attempts to lead a horse to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon in celebration of Patriots Day before the 129th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025. – Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

A reenacter playing Paul Revere read a proclamation at the finish line before the start of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025. – Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

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