When you see that line of flags at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, that's not a UN station or anything like that. It's a recognition that this thing that could just be people running a long way is so much more than that. It's a celebration that crosses cultures and communities and brings people together. According to the Boston Marathon's official Facebook page, quote, each year about 100 nations are represented by runners in the Boston Marathon, and their flags are displayed along the home stretch of Boylston Street. It has nothing to do with the UN. Rather, it's to honor and celebrate each of the runners that takes part in the race.