The Church of the Finish Line

Old South Church, located on the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth Streets in Boston, will salute the Boston Marathon with ten blue and gold banners flying from the Tower overlooking the finish line.

Nine banners are a salute to the race, to the athletes, and to the international spirit of sport, while the tenth banner will bless the athletes.

Weather permitting the banners will fly Thursday, April 12 through Monday, April 16.

As the first athletes turn onto Boylston Street on Monday, Old South's Great Bell will announce their approach, and ring the winners across the finish line announcing their accomplishment with proper pomp and ceremony.

On Sunday , April 15, Old South's festival worship celebration at 11 a.m. will include a "Blessing of the Athletes" … a traditional act of blessing to keep the athletes safe from harm or injury, exercise respect for each other, and find the stamina to endure the competition. All athletes are welcome to the church that is commonly referred to as "the church of the finish line" at this time of the year.

Old South Church was built between 1872 and 1875.

Source: B.A.A.