Southborough Volunteer's 31 Years at Boston Marathon

Sally Watters arrives in Hopkinton at 5 a.m. every Marathon Monday, ready to help make magic happen for thousands of runners she'll never see cross the finish line.

For 31 years, the Southborough resident has volunteered with the Boston Athletic Association, collecting a windbreaker for each year of service. She started by handing out water (possibly a playful nod to her last name) and quickly fell in love with the energy of race day.

Now she leads a team of 100 volunteers as captain of the "corral monitors," making sure runners start in their correct groups. Despite decades of experience, she still smiles when nervous runners ask her, "Which direction is Boston?"

The marathon has woven itself through Watters' entire life. She lived near the starting line when she first married, then moved to Southborough where her family would watch the race together in Ashland. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

Her daughter Amanda caught the running bug and qualified for the marathon in college. She's now completing her 22nd Boston Marathon while her husband runs his 25th.

Fifteen years ago, when Amanda's young cousin lost her battle with a heart condition just before turning two, Amanda started fundraising in her memory. Even though qualified runners don't have to raise money, she's continued honoring her cousin's daughter every year since.

Sunny's Take

Watters' volunteer spirit extends far beyond the marathon. She's inspired countless others in Southborough through her work with the Open Land Foundation and town meetings, even convincing Town Clerk James Hegarty and Town Administrator Mark Purple to join the marathon volunteer ranks.

She remembers hosting runners for pasta dinners and working the annual expo, where jet-lagged athletes arrive straight from the airport, luggage in tow, eager to collect their race bibs. Some ask for photos with her.

The 2013 bombing changed everything. Watters was on Boylston Street when the explosions happened, waiting to meet Amanda who worked nearby. She helped lead two Oklahoma City runners to safety across the Charles River.

In a framed photo on her wall, Amanda carries one of four flags representing the lives lost during a symbolic mile-long run held after the tragedy. Security tightened, the carefree atmosphere shifted, but the community grew stronger.

"Every time I think about not doing it, I really can't imagine not being part of the incredible team that is putting this together," Watters said.

This Marathon Monday on April 20, she'll be back at her post before dawn, ready for another year of helping strangers chase their dreams.