One year after tragedy struck the 2013 Boston Marathon, the city will unite for the 118th running of the race. As was the case last year, Universal Sports Network holds exclusive rights to the 2014 competition, which is slated for Patriots Day, Monday, April 21.
Leading up to the race, Universal Sports has been paying tribute to last year's victims with a series of events and special programming. On the April 15 anniversary of last year’s race, Universal Sports Network aired the "Boston Tribute" event live from the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. The network has also been airing Run as One, a series of 15 video vignettes detailing the personal stories of those affected by last year’s unspeakable events.
The previews continue on April 19 with interviews and analysis of the upcoming race, which Universal Sports will broadcast live from the Boylston Street finish line from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).
The main event will air on April 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m,, with announcers Al Trautwig and Larry Rawson calling the race. The marathon will be shown across 175 countries and territories throughout the world. It will also be available on Armed Forces Network, and stream live on UniversalSports.com. The online component includes a "Finish Line Web Cam" that will show each runner concluding their 26-mile plus journey.
All of Universal Sports Network’s distribution parters are currently offering free previews of the network through April 21 in order to maximize the audience during the marathon coverage.
Following the race, Universal Sports Network will air the Wrap-Up Show at 4 p.m., followed by a race encore, beginning at 8 p.m.
