Greek Consulate Presents Marathon Wreaths To BAA

BOSTON (CBS) - The finish line was painted long ago. Banners have graced lamp posts around Boston for months. Runners have been training for who knows how long.

Now, one of the most traditional parts of the Boston Marathon is ready to be handed off to the winners.

They just have to cross that finish line first.

Over 100 people attended a ceremony Tuesday night at the Greek Consulate on Beacon Hill, where the Honorable Consul General of Greece, Ilias Fotopoulos, presented four olive branch wreaths to the Boston Athletic Association.

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Those wreaths, which were grown, cut and plaited into winners' wreaths in Greece, will be used to crown the winners of this coming Monday's 116th running of the Boston Marathon.

Each wreath was made specifically for the Boston Marathon, upholding a long tradition between the organizers of the race and the people of Greece. Ancient Olympic winners were crowned with victors' wreaths, and the Boston Marathon continues that tradition to this day.

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