Photos of The Hop-21 Marathon Training Run This Weekend

CharityTeams runners dressed in spring fashion for Saturday’s “Hop-21” (Photo by Margaret Burdge)

When Susan Hurley, founder of CharityTeams said, “Be sure to bring carrots for the bunnies,” she was talking about a certain breed of marathon runners who completed this weekend’s long run decked out in spring-themed garb.

You may remember seeing superheroes shooting down the marathon route earlier this month, but this weekend, for CharityTeams’ “Hop-21,” runners completed their last long run before the marathon in full spring style. Because when you’re out there running 21 miles, why not?

CharityTeams works with non-profit teams (21 in total for this year’s Boston Marathon) to foster camaraderie for the race. As many of the runners are first-timers, CharityTeams suggests dressing in costume to take some of the pressure off the longer runs. Saturday’s run, from Hopkinton to the 21-mile mark just after Heartbreak Hill, is the last of the long runs before many of the runners taper off in preparation for Marathon Monday.

If you missed the frenzy this weekend, check out some of the photos below for a glimpse of the action:

CharityTeams' Hop-21

One of the Pack

This runner pushed through the pain at the top of Heartbreak Hill to finish off the 21-mile run.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Bunny Balloon

This runner wasn't worried about drag time. She was willing to sacrifice resistance for a commitment to theme.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Spring Spirit

CharityTeams is working with over 20 teams for the Boston marathon this year.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Not Your Average Rabbit

This runner chose to dress as a chick amongst the many bunnies running down Commonwealth Avenue.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Workout Playlist

This runner fixed her earbuds as she reached the top of Heartbreak Hill, just before the 21-mile mark on the marathon route.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Fully Decked Out

Though this runner had ears in hand, she pulled out all the stops for her outfit, tail and all.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Rabbits in Style

This bunny knew how to handle the sun.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Spring Spirit

According to Hurley, the costumes are designed to make the long runs easier for first time runners, taking some of the stress away from the mileage.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Pretty in Pink

These runners came out in spring colors despite the less-than-ideal weather.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Chic Chick

This chick, who was running for Boston Children's Hopsital, had her outfit perfectly color coordinated.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

The Tail End

This bunny hit all the stops for her costume with a face mask, tail and pink-and-white running gear.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Boston Fire Departement

These runners are training with CharityTeams as Boston Fire Department runners.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Funny Bunny

This runner took a comical approach to his costume.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Perfect Pair

There had to be at least one Playboy bunny on the route, and this one ran with a pal dressed in pink.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

MR8

This runner took spring to a new level with an 8 made of flowers on his shirt in honor of the MR8 team running for eight-year-old Martin Richard who was killed in the marathon bombing last year.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Big Eared

This runner had some of the biggest ears on the route this weekend.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Taking a Break

These runners took at break at the top of Heartbreak Hill.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Fixing His Ears

This runner readjusted his ears after the climb.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

b.good Burger

There weren't just spring characters out on the route today, one of the b.good burgers showed up for the race today as well.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Breather

This bunny took a break after completing the 21 milesPhoto by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge

Stretching Circle

The team gathered at the end of their run to wait for the rest of the bunnies.Photo by Margaret Burdge

Photo by Margaret Burdge