Massachusetts National Guard members kick off the 128th Boston Marathon

First responder Ed Kelly and Boston Fire Lt. Sean O'Brien join 'Fox & Friends' to share their experiences on the scene, the response to the tragedy and their message 10 years later. 

A group of Massachusetts National Guard members early Monday crossed the Boston Marathon start line painted in honor of the town that has hosted the marathon for the past century, launching the 128th edition of the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.

Race Director Dave McGillivray sent the group of about 30 people off shortly after 6 a.m. He thanked them for their service and told them to have a great time. Lt. Col. Paula Reichert Karsten, one of the marchers, said she wanted to be part of a "quintessential Massachusetts event."

Hopkinton is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the starting line of the Boston Marathon. The start was moved from Ashland to Hopkinton in 1924 to make the race the official Olympic Marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The start line says "100 years in Hopkinton." The announcer welcomed the gathering crowds to the "sleepy little town of Hopkinton, 364 days of the year."

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"Running from a setting like this into downtown makes for a more iconic course," McGillivray said.

Members of the U.S. military cross the starting line as they participate in the Boston Marathon, on April 15, 2024, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Race volunteer Hank Lopez, 63, stood at his post near the start line. Later Monday, he will don a bib and join the race, running his 100th marathon. He typically participates in marathons with far fewer runners. It's his first Boston Marathon.

"It's the 100th anniversary of Hopkinton and the Boston Marathon and 100