(Hopkinton) The 127th edition of the prestigious Boston Marathon kicked off on Monday morning.

Several world record holders are among the participants, including some Olympic and Paralympic medalists. In addition, major marathon champions from 27 countries, including 12 former winners of the Boston race, are included, according to the Boston Athletic Association, which is responsible for organizing the event. It should be noted that the world record holder, Eliud Kipchoge, will take part in this race for the first time in his career.

On Saturday, the City of Boston marked the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing. The 2013 race was halted after two pipe bombs exploded on Boylston Street near the finish line.

Police used a robotic dog near the start line on Monday to ensure the scene was safe. This one was followed by photographers, who sketched the scene on the spot.

Approximately 30,000 athletes will complete the 42.2 km to Copley Square in Boston. A light rain soaked the asphalt, and the runners could be faced with a headwind. The temperature should hover around 10 degrees Celsius.

This year’s race includes a new category reserved for non-binary athletes.

At around 6 a.m. this morning in Hopkinton, event director Dave McGillivray sent about 20 members of the Massachusetts National Guard, who patrol the course every year, to announce the start of the marathon. . He thanked them for their dedication, and wished them good luck on the circuit.