40 checkpoints in boston alone as well as over 100 security cameras feeding back to the mobile command center for the massachusetts state police. a massive highly coordinated effort so that the focus of the day returns to the marathon itself and those competing in it. for many of the runners here emotions and spirits are high and many saying they are looking forward to creating new memories and putting the tragic events of last year behind them. >> hash tag go natalie go. there's ron mott joining me from boston. the spirit is high. this is really a spirit of survival, of strength. >> reporter: of strength, of both, happy patriot's day to you. the marathon is running on schedule and a lot of folks are ready to party tonight because of the 36,000 runners, the first few have crossed the finish line, rita from kenya is the women's champion. she won last year and american