In our ever-continuing effort to produce something different — independent and alternative, mind you — in the world of news media in Boston, we turn our attention to one Lauren “Wiz” Dow, a junior pre-med and neuroscience major at Wellesley College who gained attention Monday after offering up her cheeks and lips to motivate passing runners in the 2009 Boston Marathon.

Yes, sports fans, she was smooching the runners.

Dow was part of the “Scream Tunnel,” an exciting tradition as the yearly Marathon passes through the Wellesley College leg of the race.

In addition to being reputed as quite the kisser, Dow turns partying into an art form, as you’ll read.

Blast got up close and personal with — though we didn’t lean in for any kisses — with our new favorite blond Wellesley girl.

We also posted a gallery.

Soooo … what’s your story?

My story? Well I’d say I’m a small-town girl who goes to Wellesley, so of course I’m constantly trying to spice things up and party it up in Boston. I just like to have a good time with good friends.

What’s with “Wiz”?

That’s kind of an old memory between my friends and I involving a cruise to Canada, a bottle of tequila, an elevator, and some poorly placed restrooms. Imagine yourself a story and it’s probably what happened.

What gave you the idea to give out kisses at the marathon?

Kissing the runners during the marathon is a long-standing tradition at Wellesley. ‚ It’s one thing the Scream Tunnel is known for.

How many people did you kiss? Any girls? Did you charge for your kisses?

I’d say about 30 guys stopped for a kiss and I even had 2 girls take me up on my offer. I should have been charging — it would’ve made up for the cost of sanitizer.

Were these pecks or full on smooches with tongue?

They were supposed to be pecks, but some of the runners got a little carried away and I actually had to push them back into the race. ‚ As you can imagine, these were sweaty and generally nasty kisses — I wasn’t about to allow tongue on top of it. The only thing that skeeved me out a little was the one guy telling me, “You’re like my granddaughter!” after grabbing my face and laying a fat one on me right on the lips.

What was it like to see your picture on Boston.com?

I was pretty excited. Last time I was on there was a few years ago when I was volunteering for the marathon pasta party. I liked this image much better!

With this photo essay from the 2009 Boston Marathon, Blast begins a regular photo feature from contributing editor Daniel Peleschuk

Blast photographer Sarah Gordon shares some visuals from the 2009 Boston Marathon