THE TRIUMPH OF HUMAN SPIRIT
THE BOSTON MARATHON 2014
The Boston Marathon took place today, with the total number of runners competing in excess of 36,000 and hundreds of thousands of spectators and also many professional athletes in attendance.
Following the sad and shocking events of the bombings at last year’s event, it is said that the mantra for today’s event was “Boston Strong” – with many wearing t-shirts, and signs placed around the track stating such.
A moment of silence was held before the 36,000 runners set off. (There were 9,000 more than normal!)
It is said that Historian Tom Derderian commented on the event; “After the bombings, the Boston Marathon has become about runners and spectators “putting themselves at risk in defiance of terrorism”.
Security was copious, with police (both uniformed and under-cover) erecting 8,000 steel barricades (1,200 more than last year), and helicopters flying overhead.
American Runner Meb Keflezighi won the Men’s Elite Race in 2:08:37
This is the first time that an American runner has finished first in the Men’s division since Gregory Meyer won in 1983!
The Women’s Elite Race was won by Rita Jeptoo of Kenya, who set a course record time of 2:18:57
Superstar Tatyana McFadden of the U.S. won the women’s wheelchair race for the second year running, (in addition to winning at the Virgin Money London Marathon last week in Britain, and also winning a silver medal in Sochi!)