Nine area runners are competing in the Boston Marathon next Monday.

They'll be part of the 30-thousand running in the world's most prestigious race.

"It's always been on my bucket list something I knew I would do since I first started running," said first year participant Mark Hadley of Boardman.

"It's pretty huge for me since I just started running four years ago," said Dean Cutrer, another first timer.

The runners come from Cortland, North Lima, Canfield, Boardman, Poland and New Castle and include Sarah Hixson a 8 year veteran of the race.

"I know where the hills are, I know where the big crowds are and overall its just an exciting moment in Boston," said Hixson.

"You have a lot of great runners around you and they're going a lot faster and that competitive nature in you wants to go track them down," said Cutrer.

Hadley has researched the race, " I do know the terrain and I'm prepared to take it easy because of the down hill start and up hill to finish."

Each participant had to qualify to enter the marathon something that isn't easy.

"It's a hard race to get into but just being there with all the spectators ,it just makes you feel special," concluded Hixson.

Different waves for the race start from 10:00 am to 11:15 am. 

Besides  Hixon, Haldey, and Cutrer other locals in the race include,  Kayla Aluise, Courtney Clark, Dawn Gregory, Caitlyn Hadley, Gia Nigro and Tom Grantonic.