Rodgers, Hoyts Help Unveil 116th Boston Marathon Banners

BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Marathon is a little more than a month away, but preparations for the race have already begun.

On Monday, banners for the 116th running of the race went up around the city of Boston, unofficially kicking off Marathon activities throughout the city.

Four-time marathon champion Bill Rodgers and local favorites Rick and Dick Hoyt were each on hand for the unveiling. Rodgers took to a cherry picker to unveil the the banner at the finish line in Copley Square.

The Hoyts actually share a banner with WBZ-TV Sports Director Steve Burton.

"I think it's awesome. Steve has been interviewing us for the last four or five years, every morning of the marathon at 8am, right there at the starting line. It's great to have him there with Rick and I this year," said Dick Hoyt, who is running his 30th Boston Marathon with his son, Rick.

This year, the marathon banners reflect the theme of community.

WBZ-TV is the only station with start to finish coverage of the 116th Boston Marathon starting at 8am Monday, April 16.