Wellesley Students Bring Cowbells and Cheers to Boston Marathon 'Scream Tunnel'

The iconic Wellesley College tradition returns with even more energy and enthusiasm this year.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:23pm

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Wellesley College students are gearing up to once again line the 'Scream Tunnel' along the Boston Marathon course, cheering on runners with deafening screams, homemade signs, and this year, the addition of special cowbells provided by the college. The annual tradition, which dates back decades, is known for its electric atmosphere and playful 'Kiss Me' signs that invite runners to stop for a quick smooch of support.

Why it matters

The Wellesley 'Scream Tunnel' has become one of the most iconic and beloved traditions of the Boston Marathon, providing a much-needed boost of energy and enthusiasm for runners at the halfway point of the grueling race. As the all-women's college celebrates the return of this tradition after pandemic disruptions, it highlights the enduring community spirit and school pride that make the Wellesley experience so special.

The details

Wellesley College students will be lining Central Street near the college, screaming their support and ringing special cowbells provided by the school's dean of students office. The students also make creative signs, often with the playful invitation 'Kiss Me' to encourage runners to stop for a quick smooch. This tradition, which dates back decades, was temporarily scaled back during the pandemic but is now roaring back with even more energy and excitement.

  • The Boston Marathon is held annually on Patriots' Day, which falls on April 21 this year.
  • Wellesley College students have been preparing for the 'Scream Tunnel' tradition in the days leading up to the race.

The players

Wellesley College

An all-women's liberal arts college located along the Boston Marathon course, known for its iconic 'Scream Tunnel' tradition where students cheer on runners.

Laura Wood Cantopher

A member of the Wellesley College class of 1984 and former president of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association, who has fond memories of the 'Scream Tunnel' tradition.

Stacey Schmeidel

The director of media relations at Wellesley College, who shared details about the college distributing cowbells to students for this year's event.

Linda Kosinski

A Wellesley College alumna from the class of 2016 who attended the school through the Davis Scholar program for older, nontraditional students.

Emily Rigdon

A member of the Wellesley College class of 2019 who grew up attending the Boston Marathon and is excited to participate in the 'Scream Tunnel' tradition as a student.

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What they’re saying

“It's one of the most joyous things I can imagine. The energy was just electric.”

— Laura Wood Cantopher, Wellesley College class of 1984

“People were hoarse the next day. There aren't many times in our lives that you can feel that way, that you're collectively together.”

— Laura Wood Cantopher, Former president, Wellesley College Alumnae Association

“Watching their faces and their reaction is so uplifting because you know they've got this long road ahead of them.”

— Linda Kosinski, Wellesley College class of 2016

“My earliest memories are high-fiving runners, so to be doing it as a 20-year-old, to be high-fiving runners again, that was a really full-circle moment.”

— Emily Rigdon, Wellesley College class of 2019

“The decibel that was already loud would go up tenfold.”

— Laura Wood Cantopher, Wellesley College class of 1984

What’s next

Wellesley College students will gather the night before the Boston Marathon to make signs and prepare for the 'Scream Tunnel' tradition. On race day, they will line Central Street near the college, ready to cheer on runners with their voices, cowbells, and creative signs.

The takeaway

The Wellesley 'Scream Tunnel' is a beloved tradition that captures the enduring community spirit and school pride of the all-women's college. As the event returns in full force this year, it will once again provide a much-needed boost of energy and enthusiasm for Boston Marathon runners at the halfway point of the race.