Boston Marathon Brings Big Bird To Newton's Heartbreak Hill

NEWTON- Running Boston is hard, no matter who you are. But one of the many things that makes the Boston Marathon special, according to those who run, are the spectators. And this year in Newton? The die-hard spectators were lining the course, ready with a high five a funny sign or an unexpected costume to lift a runner's spirits

At the top of Heartbreak Hill just before mile 21, runners smiled, slowed for a high five, a hug or a photo with an 8-ft tall Big Bird.

"He's been doing this since 2013," said Big Bird's wife, Christine Ainsworth, who just ran the LA Marathon a month ago. Ainsworth, of Cambridge, said her husband started dressing like Big Bird - feathers and all - as a way to be more easily recognizable when she was running races.

"He could never find me and I could never find him. So he started looking for costumes online and this was the most awesome one he could find," she said.

It works. Ainsworth said she doesn't have trouble finding him any more when she runs. And she runs a lot. She said she has 15 marathons, including a number of Boston Marathons under her belt.

Though this year she said it feels good to get to watch runners start to smile when they see him waving just as they crest Heartbreak Hill.

"They love him. They're on empty and need something that's fun and makes them smile. And he gives them high three's," she said, noting Big Bird's hands (paws?) only have three "fingers."

Photos by Jenna Fisher