112th Boston Marathon
What a wonderfully exciting experience it is to watch almost 25,000 people run past me. My hands became numb from the cool air, and red from clapping so much. The temperature is 54 degrees. I took pictures with the camera phone, but I am still trying to figure how to email them to myself…lol. I look out the window and people are still running. There were wheelchair racers, very old seniors, blind runners, and thousands of people of all races, ages, and nationalities.
There were quite a few participants wearing prosthetic devices, and I saw a woman running with a cane. I saw many people of color and there were more black men than women runners, during the time I watched. Lance Armstrong is running, and he was all muscled up, looking very fit, and running for his Lance Armstrong Foundation.
First, the wheelchair “runners” start, then the women follow, then the men. Senator John Kerry fired the start gun for the wheelchair race. At first, you see a large group of the fastest runners up front and more elite runners follow. They come in waves, but the greatest wave of runners came in groups, which lasted about 40 minutes as all of those people ran by. Some were slapping hands of the spectators as they passed and some slowed down for water. A few runners pumped up the crowd as they ran by. One guy was booed (in a good way) as he ran in a NY Yankees uniform, waving a Yankees flag. Another male runner was dressed in a Mini Mouse costume. Some runners are dressed in costumes and many with messages on their t-shirts. They run a 26-mile course. I could not feel anything but admiration. A guy behind me had mentioned an American has not won this race since 1983, and engaged in a lengthy discussion, about Kenyan runners with a woman who happened to be standing next to him.
The marathons are one place where you will see thousands upon thousands of sexy, fit, fine, charismatic men pass by in such a short time. It is also a lQQking marathon…lol.
Close to 2,000 people are raising over $10 Million for charity.
After that huge wave of thousands passed by, I came indoors, because I like to see the winner cross the finish line. The men’s winner, Robert Cheruiyot, a Kenyan won his fourth Boston Marathon, and his third in a row. The story behind him is, he once was homeless as his parents had abandoned him, and at some point considered suicide. He met up with some people involved in running, and he started training. He will win a prize of $150,000 and endorsements to follow.
The women’s winner, Dire Tune, a 22-year-old Ethiopian is photo'd crossing the finish line, and has been running since she was 16 years old. Dune was running neck and neck with a great Russian runner, Alevtina Biktimirova. She beat the Russian by 2-3 seconds, and they were trading leads during the last mile. Her prize was $150, 000. It was exciting.
Anyone see more black American youth getting involved in long distance running? Seems like it doesn’t cost much to train.
Finish Times:
Men
Robert K Cheruiyot
2:07:46
Women
Dire Tune
2:25:25
Men's wheelchair
Ernst F. Van Dyk
1:26:49
Women's wheelchair
Wakako Tsuchida
1:48:32
Overall Statistics:
Number Entered: 25283
Number Started: 22375
Number Finished: 21963
98.2% Finished
What to know how painful it is to run in the marathon? Watch this Boston Marathon video called "How much does it hurt to run the Boston marathon?"
Reference:
Boston.com: Boston Marathon
Boston Athletic Association: Boston Marathon
Photo Credit:
Boston.com: Boston Marathon
I've never been to a marathon, and definitely never considered attempting to participate in one. I like to run, but not THAT much.
I have looked at some of the stories behind some of the runners. They generally seem to have some sort of interesting story.
I imagine that you need something driving you to accomplish such a feat.
It is much fun, and it's like being a big kid at a parade. Today is Patriot's Day in Massachusetts so state businesses, schools, and I think fed municipalities are closed. If you could see the number of people running who were blind with guides, you'd be touched.
Many folks were just running for themselves and their families on or from being challenged by someone. There were people from all over the world who come to run. It is a good thing for children to see.
You would see an old man limping, but he would still be running, keeping up the pace. People with canes limping along, determined to make that trek. The look of determination on those faces, definitely are motivators. I just don't have enough words to describe it.
At the Boston Globe site they have a submission process where spectators and pros can submit photos, I will wait until tomorrow to take a look. I know there are thousands of pics, and yes, each and everyone of those runners has a story.
I just heard on the radio, people are STILL finishing. This is from a start of 10am this morning.