BOSTON, MA — Nearly 30,000 official entrants braved the elements and packed the starting line in Hopkinton, Mass. Monday to compete in the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon. They anticipated the challenge of completing the 26.2 mile course, including the dreaded "Heartbreak Hill" between the 20- and 21-mile marks, near Boston College. They came from 94 countries and all 50 states, with hundreds of Connecticut residents participating.

The first finisher residing in Hartford or Tolland counties was Scott Bushey, 24, of Hebron, who placed 284th overall in a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, 40 seconds.

Elizabeth Congo, 27, earned bragging rights for Enfield by being the first runner from town to cross the finish line, though new Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox, who lives out of town, did arrive shortly before her.