#BOSTON MARATHON FASTEST TIME

[skannar]

Geoffrey Mutai Fastest time in the Boston Marathon and Beyond

Name: Geoffrey Mutai Achievement: Fastest time in the Boston Marathon Boston Marathon winning year: 2011 Boston Marathon time: 2:03:02 Geoffrey Mutai, a name that resonates with unparalleled prowess and a testament to human determination, has etched his mark on the annals of long-distance running history. Born on October 7, 1981, in the rural highlands of Bomet County, Kenya, Mutai emerged…

[onbearfeet]

Here. Have some photographic proof. Here's Kathrine Switzer (261), the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, being assaulted by race co-director Jock Semple (asshole in dark clothing) due to his belief that women shouldn't run marathons. (Many people at the time believed women were physically incapable of running that far, despite all the women, including Switzer, who had done so previously.)

Switzer finished the race, there was a huge to-do about it, and the photos became an iconic piece of women's sports history.

So yes. Women can sports. They can sports alongside men, even. Switzer was not the fastest runner in Boston that day, but she wasn’t the slowest, either. She was still running marathons as recently as 2017, a full fifty years after these photos were taken. She ran Boston that year, in a cohort that was nearly 50% women.

If you're on Jock Semple's side, you're on the wrong side of history.

do u remember when the wider feminist position on gendered sport was that we should abolish it, and that women's accomplishments can be measured side by side (& indeed, neck and neck) with men's? what the fuck happened to that? (*whispering* i know what happened. it was the terf movement.)

[hesanqian]

Unveiling Custom 5K Medals at the Boston Marathon

Introduction:

Exploring the Essence of 5K Medals:

At the core of any iconic event lies its medals — and their meaning for participants. Beyond their shiny surfaces lies an inspiring story of determination and achievement; tangible reminders of journey taken, obstacles overcome, goals reached. Whether it’s the glint of 5K gold or the elegance of a custom-crafted design, each medal holds a unique tale of triumph. Exploring Past 5 Years’ Medals:

Year Medal Material Symbolic Meaning

2023 Bronze Steadfastness

2022 Silver Achievement and Honor

2021 Gold Highest Honor and Glory

2020 Silver Progress and Moving Forward

2019 Bronze Perseverance and Endurance

Each medal material and its symbolic meaning encapsulate the essence of the Boston Marathon, honoring the dedication, perseverance, and triumph of all those who participate in this iconic event.

Delving into the Tradition:

As we reflect back over 10 years of the Boston Marathon, we see an array of remarkable feats and unforgettable moments. From 5K medals awarded to fastest runners to cheers of encouragement along the route, each year adds new chapters to its rich legacy. Let’s take a closer look at some standout performances and people who etched themselves into history:

MEN’S OPEN DIVISION

Year Name Country Time

2023 Evans Chebet Kenya 2:05:54

2022 Evans Chebet Kenya 2:06:51

2021 Benson Kipruto Kenya 2:09:51

2019 Lawrence Cherono Kenya 2:07:57

2018 Yuki Kawauchi Japan 2:15:58

2017 Geoffrey Kirui Kenya2:09:37

2016 Lemi Berhanu Ethiopia 2:12:45

2015 Lelisa Desisa Ethiopia 2:09:17

2014 Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi United States 2:08:37

2013 Lelisa Desisa Ethiopia 2:10:22

WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPION

Year Name Country Time

2023 Hellen Obiri Kenya 2:21:38

2022 Peres Jepchirchir Kenya 2:21:01

2021 Edna Kiplagat Kenya 2:25:09

2019 Worknesh Degefa Ethiopia 2:23:31

2018 Desiree Linden United States 2:39:54

2017 Edna Kiplagat Kenya 2:21:52

2016 Atsede Baysa Ethiopia 2:29:19

2015 Caroline Rotich Kenya 2:24:55

2014 Buzunesh Deba Ethiopia2:19:59*

2013 Rita Jeptoo Kenya 2:26:25

Crafting Excellence: Custom 5K Medals by Hesank:

At Hesank, we understand the significance of honoring such monumental achievements with custom 5K medals that capture their essence — that’s why our meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that each one stands as its own masterpiece. Start a journey of grandeur with our Soft Enamel 5K Marathon Medal, meticulously crafted to symbolize your unfaltering dedication. No matter if it is your first or fifth run, our medals serve as tangible symbols of excellence for athletes of any level, offering full customization options so your medal reflects who you are as an individual and reflects all that has gone into creating it!

Conclusion:

While we commemorate the legacy of the Boston Marathon and all those who grace its hallowed grounds, let us not lose sight of how important 5K medals are in commemorating their achievements. Whether a runner pursuing greatness on the race course or an avid spectator cheering from the sidelines, medals serve as lasting symbols of perseverance, unity and triumph — something Hesank takes great pleasure in upholding through crafting custom 5k with medals that uphold and encourage everyone who wears one. Come join us in honoring athleticism’s pursuit as we journey closer towards victory together at Hesank!

[samuelellis]

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon

Inspired by the Olympic Marathon, the Boston Marathon was established in 1897 and has occurred annually ever since. The first race spanned from Ashland, Massachusetts, to Boston, attracting 15 participants. In 1924, the organizers extended the course to align with the Olympic distance of 26.2 miles. Over the decades, runners from across the globe have flocked to participate in this marathon, solidifying its position as one of the most renowned races worldwide.

The marathon's route begins at Hopkinton, with runners passing through Ashland, Framingham, and Wellesley and mountainous areas like Newton as they make their way toward the finish line at Copley Square in Boston. The course features tough terrains and variable road conditions. It begins with a slight downhill slope, but the terrain becomes more demanding as runners approach the hills around Newton. One particularly challenging section for runners is Heartbreak Hill, known for its steep incline.

The Boston Marathon typically permits 20,000-38,000 total participants annually, depending on safety and other factors.

Official entry into the marathon requires attaining a qualifying time at the Boston Qualifiers. The qualification standards vary by gender and age group and are updated periodically. Cutoffs range from three hours for 18- to 34-year-old men to three-and-a-half hours for same-aged women. Older participants have slightly longer qualifying times, with some exceeding four hours. Depending on application volume, the marathon subtracts from the qualifying time a "cutoff time," which lowers the qualifying time. For the 2024 race, the "cutoff time" is 5:29, meaning the time a man between the ages of 18 and 34 would have had to run a 2:54:31 marathon or faster to be accepted into the race.

Registration for this marathon typically opens in September. Qualified runners register online by submitting their qualifying time details and paying a registration fee. For the 2024 race, the registration fee was $230 for residents of the United States; the fee is slightly higher for residents of other countries.

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) prioritizes runners with the fastest qualification times, proceeding with the selection until they reach capacity. Runners have the option to purchase race insurance, which allows them to be refunded the registration fee if they cannot participate due to unforeseen circumstances. Once registration closes, the BAA verifies that all submitted times meet the criteria, makes a final decision, and sends out acceptance notices to the selected runners.

Besides achieving a qualifying time, runners can enter the Boston Marathon via charity qualification. Runners who take this option can receive entry into the marathon by committing to raising a specified amount for a chosen charity. Each year, at least 30 charities receive guaranteed entry spots for fundraisers. In 2019, charity entrants reportedly raised a record $38.7 million.

Given its major marathon status internationally, the Boston Marathon offers substantial cash prizes for top finishers. In 2023, the men's and women's overall winners each received $150,000, with second place taking home $75,000. Top finishers in the masters division (а category designed for participants over 40) won $5,000, while wheelchair racers received $25,000 for first place. There was also prize money awarded across several paralympic categories.

[priscila-runs]

How to Run a Marathon

Not that I remember looking into this extensively as a kid but I’m pretty sure running a marathon used to be that you just sign up, pay, and run. This week I’ve done extensive research on how I can participate only to discover that it’s actually surprisingly (unnecessarily) complicated to get there. What happens today goes more or less like this:

First, Organizers will create age groups and set qualifying times. For example, ages 18-34 are grouped together, then 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, and so on until 80+. I wonder how common geriatric marathon runners are but I hope that can be me one day. Depending on your age, you must be able to finish a marathon within the pace assigned to your age group. This is called a “qualifying time” which individuals must achieve in order to even qualify to register! Currently, Boston’s qualifying time for the 18-34 group is an 8 minute pace. Races vary and I think Boston’s has the fastest QT. Chicago’s QT for the 30-39 age group is 8:24.

Then, Once you figure out your age group and QT, there’s a timeframe where people have the chance to run as many marathons as they want to make a QT that will let them register for a chance to Boston, etc. So when people say they are in “training season” I guess it means they’re in the thick of it trying to qualify for their chosen race. Also, it can’t be just any marathon. The course must be certified by a governing association like the World Athletics or the USA Track and Field. Marathon organizers will usually tell you if they are certified or not. Marathons cost about $100 to register. That plus the cost of travel, food, and all the training stuff—means people spend close to $300-$500, once said and done, for one comfortable marathon day.

Next, Once you run a qualifying marathon time on a certified course, you must then wait for the race organizers to open the registration window. Looks like for Boston it’s a five day window in September where folks can register with the best time they’ve achieved during the qualifying window. One can only run so many marathons in a year (especially if you don’t want to injure yourself) which makes it a very competitive thing to make it to Boston. If you are too slow during the qualifying window and your time doesn’t meet tour race’s QT then your only option is to wait until the next cycle. A big blow to the ego.

Finally, once you apply, it’s possible the field will be too saturated which is when they start shaving off slow qualifying applicants. Yes that means even achieving the QT doesn’t guarantee a spot. Many recommend aiming for a faster time than the QT just to be safe.

I suppose the sport has become so popular so fast that in effort to keep the participation manageable, failsafes on failsafes have been piled on top of one another creating this complicated matrix of steps. I thought this was going to be a mental battle against myself but it turns out the the marathon machine is a much bigger monster.

🥵

[1310miles]

Forty Two

What do you think of when you see the word Idaho? I bet it’s not “girls’ trip!” but that didn’t stop my three best friends from college joining me on marathon number 42 to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Elissa, Christie and Veronica have been my friends for almost 30 years, and it’s been over 14 years since we traveled together. We planned an adventurous time in Idaho, with my marathon being just a segment of a packed itinerary and four days of laughs and fun.

All three of them got up early on Sunday morning to walk to the starting line with me. We stayed at the host hotel and it was just a short distance to the start. It was a marathon participant only starting line, and there were very few runners. All total, under 300 people ran the race.

The fastest pace group sign was 3:45, and I wanted to stick with him or faster because I had four goals for this race, increasing in difficulty. 1. Finish under 4 hours. 2. Qualify for Boston. 3. Win my age group. 4. Get a personal record. My race goals have definitely changed in the past two years. It was just recently that it was a goal to get ten minute miles, and winning an age group seemed impossible. I think it’s mostly due to getting older, but qualifying for Boston is simple now.

Sizing up the crowd I thought I had a good chance to run faster than a lot of women, so I started with that idea in mind. I decided to count how many women passed me and how many I passed along the way. For me, it’s really difficult to estimate how old someone is if they are between 30-50, so I thought I’d just do my best to keep the total of women in my head.

We headed out of the city quickly and began to follow Lake Coeur D’Alene. The race was a route path unlike one I’ve done before. I thought of it as a figure-eight of sorts. We started in the center and ran north, then turned on point and ran directly back to the center. Once there, we ran south and again turned on point and traced our way back to the center. I found this unfortunate because I really limited the amount of scenery we were able to admire. Additionally, despite the beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains, the race route was along a highway with limited views. It seemed like a missed opportunity. We did get glimpses of the lake, and the trees smelled amazing, but it was also just a lot of exposed asphalt.

The girls were eager to support me in the race, but upon looking at the route, I was concerned that the highway would be closed and accessing the race route would be impossible. We agreed to only two vantage spots, and I could tell they were really disappointed in not seeing me more. I was very frustrated when I got to mile three and realized that the highway was fully open and we were running on the shoulder. The girls could have easily followed me almost the entire way!

In studying the race elevation map, I was concerned about two major hills at miles 5 and 6. I really let this concern get in my head and I felt a lot of doubt in my ability to handle them. I hit the beginning of the first hill and figured I would just run it until I was too slow and then walk. I charged up the base and it wasn’t horrible, so I persevered. I thought it would continue to rise, but at the top I realized that was it! Somehow the elevation chart made the hill out to be much longer and steeper. With a doubtful mind that maybe I was missing something or the worst was to come, I headed to the next hill. Again, it was really manageable and I charged up without too much difficulty. I was so pleased to have conquered the two biggest worries I had in the race.

After the hills, I began to see runners returning on the route from the turnaround. I found this shocking since the turnaround was at mile 9ish and these runners didn’t look especially speedy. Some were really struggling and they didn’t seem enthused to be “winning” the race. I also couldn’t understand how they could have been so fast to have run 5 miles more than me that quickly! Then it occurred to me, there was an earlier start to provide time for those who were concerned on finishing within the 6 hour cut off. These folks had started the race an hour earlier than me! Sure enough, another mile or so later I saw the real winner of the race flying past.

The plan was for the girls to find their way through back roads to mile 9, just before the turnaround, and post up there so they could see me twice. As I got there, I realized that they hadn’t been successful, but then I saw Christie and Veronica shout from their car! They saw me! But where was Elissa?

Upon reaching the turnaround, I had not been passed by any women, and I passed on. I had kept count of the ones I saw returning, and figured there were about 9 of them. Shortly after the turnaround I did get passed by a woman my age, who I could hear approaching for several minutes. Something about her gait or her shoes really irritated my ears. Her running was driving me a little crazy (I don’t think it was because I was angry that she passed me). Unfortunately, we were running at practically the same speed. I would try to pass her, but then she would pass me right back. It was a frustrating irritation and for the first time in all of my running, I had a competitor that I was trying to beat! I thought of my friend Nancy Werner, who is such an incredible athlete and a fierce competitor. I decided to channel my inner Nancy and make it a goal to beat this woman in the race!

I got to see Christie and Veronica again as I came from the turnaround. They had a couple signs and they were shouting me name. But again, no Elissa. I couldn’t figure it out. I thought through the scenarios: did she go back to the hotel and need to sleep? Did she get sick or hurt? Was there an emergency at home that she needed to talk to her family about?

I continued on for a mile or two, going up the back sides of the earlier hills. They were longer and more difficult this direction, and I began to suspect that I had run the first third of the race too fast. I think that the ease of the hills gave me too much confidence and I pushed too hard. I was afraid the next 15 miles were going to be very difficult.

I got a boost by finally seeing all three of the girls along the side of the road. Turns out, they had missed me (because I was running too fast) and Elissa was looking for me at a point I had already passed. They made up for it by being the loudest fans on the race route! They went wild when they saw me, with signs and a cow bell. They shouted my name, and then Christie shouted “she has a blog” which put a huge smile on my face. A runner near me said “you have awesome friends” to which I replied “I sure do!”

We continued on as the day heated up. The race field was very small, so there were very few people around me (probably why I could hear my competitor’s shoes so distinctly). Also, that means very few spectators. Overall, I think this was the quietest race I’ve ever run. The aid stations were very sparse too. One every four to five miles was too little as it got hot. To make the stations worse, they featured individual small bottles of water, not cups, and the bottles weren’t open! It was not good. Upon approaching a station, you had to stop, get the bottle, and wrestle with the cap. Then drinking out that little spout was challenging. I choked the first time and then elected to walk and drink the rest of the stops.  

We came back through downtown Coeur D’Alene, where the race started and where the half marathon was finishing. It was a party for them, but it felt lonely running past and not stopping. At this point we began sharing the route with the half marathon too, and it got crowded. I was feeling really sluggish, knowing that I ran too hard in the first half, and I still had at least 11 miles to go. Additionally, I was so thirsty. I couldn’t remember having water since mile 12.

I began to freak out. This happens sometimes when I don’t know when the water opportunity is going to arrive. I look ahead and if I don’t see it, I start panicking. I was still sweating, which was good, but since I was slowing down, I felt like time was running out for me. And the miles just kept passing without a stop. Finally, I came up on one. It was on the opposite side of the road, where the half marathon was coming from their turn around. I needed that water, but I was told by a volunteer that OUR water stop was coming at the turnaround. I was a bit confused, and I couldn’t figure it out exactly, but I wasn’t worried because the girls were right there to cheer me on!

Yay! I get to see them and I get to drink the water bottle that I had given them at the starting line. It was at least half full and I had passed it off to them, telling them to toss it, but I was sure they kept it.

I was a mess, but I was able to eek out “could you give me my water bottle?” They just smiled and were cheering. I said it a bit louder, and Christie seemed to process it, but no one else. I said it again, and Christie got Elissa’s attention and said “do you have her water?” Elissa, looking very forlorn, said “she told me to throw it away so I did!”

Man. That was a blow. But I told them it was ok and I pushed on. I felt terrible for stressing them out, because I could hear the ensuing conversation as I left. I was scanning everywhere for our turnaround or for another aid station when reality dawned on me. First, that volunteer thought I was with the half marathon and that turnaround was eminent. Second, that aid station was running out of water and they didn’t want the oncoming runners drinking it. And third, I was going to have to wait at least four miles for the next water.

This is the point that I begin my hallucinations. I start thinking about what discarded thing on the side of the road I can drink from. I think about what residences or stores may offer me water. I think about turning around to get the water again. Believe me, I’ve been thirsty like this before and I always have these crazy ideas.

As I was losing hope, I found a savior. A family along the course was hosting a party to watch the marathon from their backyard. They had real cups set up with ice cold water. I was almost brough to tears. I drank two cups and thanked them so much. I’m not sure what I could have done without them. Soon after I saw two kids with offering lemonade to the runners. They were on the opposite side, but I made a mental note to take the lemonade on the way back because they looked sad that they weren’t giving any out.

The girls hurried ahead and saw me at mile 21, apologizing profusely for their lack of water. I think they even had a bottle to offer me! But that was old news, and I needed to keep racing, so I just said I was ok and continued on. I was searching for the final turnaround, which felt like it would never come. I kept doing the math for how far we had to run back and I felt like it should be around every turn. On my right were baseball fields full of teams warming up. I thought about my son at his tournament that weekend. I was sad to be missing it and really wanted to make my absence worthwhile by running a good race. Finally without much fanfare, the turnaround appeared and I had a huge wave of relief. The home stretch was in my sights. And my feet began to fly! Turns out, since mile 15, I had been running a gradual uphill. That’s why I was so sluggish and so exhausted!

My legs were back and my spirits were high. I arrived at the lemonade stand ready for an injection of sugar and asked for a glass. The kid said “that will be a dollar…” HAHAHA! I said “oh honey…I don’t have any money!!!” and laughed as I ran away. That’s why they were having such a tough day: no sales.

On the way back through I saw the girls and said “see you at the finish.” I was working to stay ahead of my competitor, and I knew she was slightly behind me from the turn we made. I never ever race anyone, so this was new to me, but from everything I’ve heard anecdotally, you are not supposed to look behind at your competition. It puts you off kilter, and it shows them that you are threatened. I kept my view straight ahead, though I was dying to look. There was one turn that I knew I’d be able to glance to the side and see her, around mile 23. I decided to turn my head, and she was back at least 100 yards…walking! I knew I had the victory!!!

By this point we were incorporated with the half marathon again, and with those who had started the marathon early. We were approaching the finishers’ village, which was just past the resort hotel I was staying in. It was very clogged up and I was keeping my eye out for the first finishers wearing medals which is my sure sign that the finish is close by. I was also having a hard time understanding which direction to run toward the finish because it was poorly marked. I started to panic when I thought about running too far or finishing in the wrong place and having to turn around.

Just then I heard some women cheering my name, but it wasn’t the girls! It was a mother-daughter duo from California with whom we had white water rafted the day before. What perfect timing! The daughter had planned to run the half marathon, so I guess they were just leaving the finishers’ village. It put a huge smile on my face.

My smile quickly faded as I continued to search for signs of the route to the finish line. I felt like I was all alone as there were no runners or spectators along this final segment. I should have been able to see the finish line, but I couldn’t and it felt like I was just running to nowhere. Then I realized that I needed to make a final turn and then another to see the end and I sped up a little through that inspiration.

I came through and looked around, expecting the girls to be along the sidelines. I searched the crowd, and then finally saw them standing near the entrance to the refreshments. They were so excited for me! I was thrilled to be done, and so happy they were there. Within a few moments, my competitor came through the finish. She told me “good job” and I confessed I had been working to beat her! She kind of laughed, and then slinked away.

My time was good enough to beat two of my four goals: under 4 and Boston Qualified. I could not have run a personal best on that course, due to the hill profile. I was happy with my time but a little frustrated that I had trained so hard and the course was just too tough to fly through. The final goal was age group winner, and although I thought I definitely got in the top three, I didn’t figure I did it. Elissa (former journalist) when to investigate and she hurried back with news. I had won my age group! I was stunned. I got tears in my eyes (and so did Veronica). It was so very exciting to be on that podium as the winner, even though I only got a crummy pint glass (not a medal) as my reward.

[rohitvadhwana]

Have you come under the pressure of performance?

Recently Kelvin Kiptum won the TCS London Marathon 2023 in the second fastest time in world history. At the young age of 23 years, he has proven his capability in the last year by becoming the fastest-ever marathon debut at the Valencia marathon in 2022. On the other hand, Eluid Kipchoge, who is considered the all-time best long-distance runner of the world finished 6th in the Boston Marathon,…

[deathropology]

Episode 63: The Last Doctor

Misha and Jeffrey have another book club meeting, this time discussing a book from last year about Canada's implementation of medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

Listen Here

Sources

Dr. Jean Marmoreo 

Introduction - Brief Summary of Carter v. Canada 

Medical Assistance in Dying & the Art of Death | We're In Hell

Vermont allows out-of-staters to use assisted suicide law

Jean-Luc Godard chose to end life through assisted dying, lawyer confirms 

  

Further Reading

Leslie Exp - YouTube

Jean Marmoreo of Toronto, 71, fastest in her age group at Boston Marathon, again | CBC News

'Nothing about this felt OK': The troubling debate over a 'good' death for all 

'My mind is completely shot'; Why this anguished woman is seeking assisted suicide

Toronto woman in final stages of MAiD application after nearly a decade-long search for housing 

Are Canadians being driven to assisted suicide by poverty or healthcare crisis? | Canada | The Guardian 

The paradox of choice and the illusion of autonomy: The construction of ethical subjects in right to die activism 

The Modern Art of Dying by Shai J. Lavi

[webnewsify1]

Boston Marathon 2023 :Eliud Kipchoge defeated at Boston Marathon

Eliud Kipchoge was seeking to add the world's most storied annual marathon to his unique trophy case in Boston. He will leave with a sixth-place result and questions over whether he can muster two outstanding, extraordinary goals. "I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits," Kipchoge posted on social media four hours after the finish. "It's never guaranteed, it's never easy. Today was a tough day for me. It's a day to push harder. Didn't even have to push." Kipchoge was dropped at the start of the Boston Marathon around mile 19, in the middle of the race's famous hills. He finished 3 minutes 29 seconds behind fellow Kenyan Evans Chebet, who ran 2:05:54, and became the first male runner since 2008 to repeat as Boston champion. According to the Boston Athletic Association, Chebet said of what happened, "I did not observe Kipchoge." "Eliud was not such a big threat because the bottom line was that we trained well." It marked Kipchoge's third defeat in 18 career marathons, a decade-long career at 26.2 miles that included two world record-breaking runs and two Olympic gold medals. Kipchoge, 38, hopes to become the first man to win three Olympic marathons next year, but on Monday there were doubts about his goal to win all six annual world marathon majors. Kipchoge has won four of six starts, missing only Boston and New York City, a November marathon he has never run. He abandoned his traditional spring marathon plan to run in London in 1897 to win Boston, the world's oldest annual marathon. Kipchoge has not yet spoken to the media but could be asked if a failed water bottle just before he lost contact with the leading pack since finishing eighth at the 2020 London Marathon could be a factor in his first of five starts. There was one. Grabbing is included. What contributed to the defeat? Boston's weather on Monday, rainy, was like London in 2020. Kipchoge's only 26.2-mile loss came when he was runner-up in Berlin in 2013, the second marathon of his career. He is expected to run two more marathons before the Paris Games. According to Olympia.org, Kipchoge will be nearly 40 in Paris, more than a year older than the oldest Olympic champion in any running event. Kenya has not yet announced its three-man Olympic marathon team. "In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge," Kipchoge posted on social media. "Excited for what's next." Kenyan Helen Obiri won Monday's women's race in 2:21:38, pulling away from Ethiopian Amane Beriso in the final miles. Obiri, a two-time world champion in the 5,000 meters on the track and a two-time Olympic medalist, made her marathon debut last November with a sixth-place finish in New York City. She was late to the Boston area three weeks ago after avoiding the spring marathon. Obiri said, "I didn't want to come here, because my heart was somewhere else." "But, my coach said I should try and go to Boston." Emma Bates was the top American in fifth place in the second-fastest Boston time for an American woman, cementing her position as the favorite to make the three-woman Olympic team at next February's trials in Orlando. Emily Sisson and Keira D'Amato, who traded American marathon records last year, did not enter Boston. Read the full article

[atlanticcanada]

CTV Atlantic reporter to run 2023 Boston Marathon

Each spring, some of the Maritimes’ fastest and most dedicated runners take part in the Boston Marathon, and on April 17 the start line will include a face familiar to CTV Atlantic viewers.

CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald is best-known as a reporter and video-journalist based in Cape Breton.

He’s also an avid runner, and is among the nearly 30,000 competitors from around the world who are officially entered into the 2023 Boston Marathon.

The 127th edition of the race will be MacDonald’s first time participating.

"I qualified for the Boston Marathon, and that's been a dream of mine for at least 10 years,” MacDonald told his CTV Atlantic colleague Laura Brown after finishing the 2022 Fredericton Marathon in a Boston-qualifying time.

The Boston Marathon is considered by some to be the Super Bowl -- or the Stanley Cup -- of long-distance running.

However, unlike championships for professional athletes, the majority of those who run the Boston Marathon are amateurs – everyday working-class people.

Each person comes to the start line with a story, and MacDonald is no exception.

"I'm not naturally athletic. I was that proverbial last kid picked in gym class,” MacDonald said in a recent podcast hosted by friend and Cape Breton Road Runners president Herbie Sakalauskas.

MacDonald explained that growing up, he liked sports, but wasn’t particularly good at them.

He said he had moderate success as a hockey goalie, but a brief stint as the backup on his high school team was as far as the dream went.

Trying out for hockey teams often meant running a few kilometers during dryland training, which is when something happened that surprised the then-teenager.

"All these guys who (bested) me at other sports, I'm like, 'Why am I lapping them on the track? Did I finally find a sport I'm good at?'" MacDonald recalled.

By age 22 though, MacDonald said he became overweight and slipped into an unhealthy lifestyle.

"Christmas 2004, we took a family picture,” MacDonald said. “After I saw that family picture, I was horrified. And, after almost crying a little bit, I said, 'I'm doing something about this.'"

To start getting back into shape, MacDonald started simple by walking on a treadmill.

A few years later, he started going on jogs a few times a week just to stay in shape.

Eventually, he rediscovered the natural love for running he had stumbled upon in high school.

MacDonald says the next family picture looked a lot better.

He went on to run his first half marathon and then his first marathon in 2010. But the stringent qualifying times – particularly for younger men – to gain entry to the Boston Marathon seemed out of reach.

"It was unthinkable. Like, I wasn't sure if this body was physically capable of doing that,” MacDonald recalled.

Fast forward to the 2022 Fredericton Marathon, MacDonald had just turned 40-years-old, but says he was in the best shape of his life.

He felt it was time to try to qualify for Boston.

The day was a success, with a finish time of 3 hours, 1 minute -- more than enough to meet the Boston standard.

"My wife told me this morning, it was the final text I saw before I went out, she said, 'Ryan, if push comes to shove -- run based on love and gratitude.' And whenever push came to shove out on the course, that's what I did -- and that's what saw me through today,” MacDonald told CTV Atlantic after the race.

This winter, the soon-to-be 41-year-old has been training as hard as ever.

He will be among nearly a dozen Cape Bretoners, and dozens more Nova Scotians, who will toe the start line in Hopkinton, Ma., on April 17.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/LUJA7oa

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

Rosie Ruiz the Lady Who Faked Victory in Boston Marathon

On April 21, 1980, Ruiz appeared to win the Boston Marathon's female category with a time of 2:31:56. Her time would have been the fastest female time in Boston Marathon history as well as the third-fastest female time ever recorded in any marathon. However, suspicions mounted about Ruiz almost from the beginning. Men's winner Bill Rodgers, who had just won his third straight Boston Marathon, noticed that Ruiz could not recall many things that most runners know by heart, such as intervals and splits. Other observers noticed that Ruiz was not panting or coated in sweat, and her thighs were less lean and muscular than would be expected for a world-class runner. She later released stress-test results showing her resting heart rate as 76. Most female marathoners have a resting heart rate in the 50s or lower.

In addition, her time of 2:31:56 was an unusual improvement, more than 25 minutes ahead of her reported time in the New York City Marathon six months earlier. When asked by a reporter why she did not seem fatigued after the gruelling race, she said, "I got up with a lot of energy this morning." Some female competitors thought it was odd that, when asked what she had noticed about the suburb of Wellesley while running through it, she did not mention the students of Wellesley College, who traditionally cheer loudly for the first female runners as they pass the campus. Most seriously, no other runners could recall seeing her. The eventual winner, Canadian Jacqueline Gareau, was told that she was leading the race at the 18-mile mark, while Patti Lyons was told she was second at the 17-mile mark. Ruiz could not have passed either of them without being seen. Several spotters at checkpoints throughout the course also did not remember seeing her in the first group of women. In addition, she did not appear in any pictures or video footage.

Two Harvard students, John Faulkner and Sola Mahoney, recalled seeing Ruiz burst out of a crowd of spectators on Commonwealth Avenue, half a mile from the finish. Not long after that, freelance photographer Susan Morrow reported meeting her on the subway during the New York City Marathon and accompanying her from the subway to the race. She lost touch with Ruiz after that, but came forward when the news of Ruiz's dubious Boston win broke. According to Morrow, she met Ruiz on the subway and together they walked a distance to the finishing area, where Ruiz identified herself as an injured runner. She was escorted to a first aid station and volunteers marked her down as having completed the marathon, thus qualifying her for the Boston Marathon.

New York City Marathon officials launched an investigation and could not find any sign of Ruiz near the finish line. On April 25, based on this and other evidence, the games committee of the New York City Marathon retroactively disqualified Ruiz from the 1979 race, with marathon director Fred Lebow saying she could not possibly have run the entire course. Later that week, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) disqualified Ruiz from the Boston Marathon. While New York's action seemed to have automatically disqualified Ruiz from Boston as well, Boston officials wanted to do their own investigation before taking action. Gareau was declared the female winner, with a time of 2:34:28—at the time, the fastest recorded for a woman in the Boston Marathon. Lyons was moved up to second; her time of 2:35:08 was the fastest ever recorded for an American woman in a marathon at that juncture.

During a CTV interview in July 2019, Gareau said that she felt pity for Ruiz, but had no ill feelings toward her

[skannar]

Margaret Okayo the Fastest Female Time in the Boston Marathon : Pure Tenacity

Name: Margaret Okayo Achievement: Fastest Female time in the Boston Marathon Boston Marathon winning year: 2002 Boston Marathon time: 2:20:43 In the annals of long-distance running, the name Margaret Okayo shines as a beacon of resilience, determination, and extraordinary talent. Hailing from the highlands of Kenya, Okayo’s story is one that exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over…

[watchinghallmark]

The upcoming movie Swept up by Christmas features a Paralympian!  And it looks like he gets a romance of his own.  Love that!

Here’s some info about him:

Joshua Cassidy was born November 15th, 1984. He came into the world fighting a non-congenital cancer which primarily effects children, Neuroblastoma. The doctors told his parents that their newborn had a narrow chance of survival. Perhaps through a combination of medicine, family prayer, and a will to live, Cassidy won miraculously. The damage done to his spinal cord left his legs partially paralyzed. Where many saw obstacles ahead, this young boy saw opportunities. This blessing gave him the blocks needed to overcome hardships and build a life of success, love, and happiness.

Cassidy grew up as the oldest of 10 kids which began in the military life, then a farm life, moving out as a young man to the city life, and now he has spent over a decade travelling and living around the globe. Cassidy’s early love of sport eventually led to athletics, and in 2008 he competed in his first Paralympic Games in Beijing, in front of 90,000 spectators. At the London Marathon in 2010, Josh recorded his first ‘big’ win, against the best in the world.

In 2012, Cassidy won the prestigious Boston Marathon with an incredible performance, recording the World's Fastest time of 1:18:25. He has been recorded hitting a top end speed of over 80 km/h down the Tyne Tunnel in Newcastle UK. In a year, Cassidy has covered over 7500kms, equivalent of the width of Canada, coast to coast. He has been a Canadian Champion 28 times and is also the Canadian Record holder in the 5000m, 10000m, and Marathon.

Now a three-time Paralympian, winning many races around the world, Cassidy is known internationally for his work ethic and fortitude. He has beaten every competitor in the world at least once.

He is currently preparing for his fourth Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

[47burlm]

Well the pistons keep on turning And the wheels go round and round The steel rails are cold and hard For the miles that they go down

April 18, 1983

Joan Benoit wins her second Boston Marathon in the women’s division with a time of 2:22:43 on April 18, 1983. The following year, she went on to win the first-ever women’s marathon at the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles and became the first person to win Boston as well as Olympic gold.

A native of Maine, Benoit turned to long-distance running in high school after a ski injury. In 1979, as a senior at Bowdoin College, Benoit won her first Boston Marathon with a time of 2:35:15. Four years later, on April 18, 1983, Benoit won her second Boston Marathon, with a record time of 2:22:43. Greg Meyer of Massachusetts was the men’s winner that year, with a time of 2:09:00. As of 2007, Meyer was the last American man to win the Boston Marathon, which has been dominated by Kenyans in recent decades.

The inaugural Boston Marathon was run on April 19, 1897, and was a men-only event until 1972, when women were officially allowed to compete. The first female winner, Nina Kuscsik, finished with a time of 3:10:26 and was one of eight women who ran the race that year.

The first modern Olympic marathon was run at the 1896 Games in Athens. Eighty-eight years later, the first-ever women’s Olympic Marathon was run at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Less than three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, Benoit won her Olympic trials. On August 5, 1984, she took home the gold medal with a time of 2:24:52, defeating Grete Waitz of Norway and Rosa Mota of Portugal.

Following the Olympics, Benoit returned to Maine, got married (and changed her name to Joan Benoit Samuelson) and had a family. In October 1985, she won the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:21:21, setting a record that held for 21 years for the fastest U.S. female marathon time. After retiring from professional racing, she became a motivational speaker, author and commentator. In 2006, Benoit Samuelson helped pace champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in his first New York City Marathon.

Joan Benoit Samuelson is 62 years old and still runs

[celestinaruns]

In A Pace Bunny’s Shoes

Just this past Sunday, I ran as a pace bunny for a full marathon, for the first time ever.

It’s worth noting that I have run as a pace bunny before, but only for a half-marathon. I knew the general duties and had a good grasp of how to control my pace. A full marathon, though, is twice that distance (the math checks out, even I can’t mess that one up) and the Edmonton Marathon is a much bigger event. There’s definitely a greater intimidation factor that comes along with it, even if pacing a 4:15 finish time, in the context of my own athletic ability, would be a walk in the park. I spent a lot of time leading up to the event... thinking.

Yeah, all philosophical and shit. Prior to pacing the Edmonton Marathon, I received some questions that I had been mulling over leading up to the event. Mainly along the lines of 1) How can I control my pace? and 2) Why even bother pacing a marathon? Or any race at all?

Number one is the easiest to answer. It takes practice and learning to take it easy. It takes time to appreciate running slow just as much as most people appreciate a fast run. Also, shoutout to my watch for doing all the work. Let’s be real, my internal clock isn’t that good (or good at all).

(please ignore the smear of energy gel on my face, I’m worse than a baby)

Number two, however, is the more interesting question.

Running is advertised as an incredibly independent sport. Insert Athlete’s Name Here does all of these things! They’re so fast! They’re sponsored by so and so! It’s not a wrong mentality when, in reality, it is just one person that we focus on from the start line to the finish line. Still, as a runner, I find that the moment I lose touch with the people around me is the moment the whole sport becomes a lot more difficult and a lot less enjoyable.

Running is not a team sport--this is the first impression that most people get, and yet in my own experience, I have discovered quite the opposite. I have fond memories of training with my entire team when I ran cross country and track in high school. My teammates pushed me to be better and stronger. Every time I’ve been close to a marathon finish line, there’s always someone beside me telling me I can do it, I can gun it to the end, I’ve got this. When I lived in BC, Kintec employees helped me pick out the best shoes, and here in Edmonton that turned into the Running Room. I’ve always had good morning and congratulations texts from my parents to look forward to, for every race.

The evidence doesn’t lie: even the best runners would struggle to succeed without a team to back them up. Olympic marathoners always thank their family and coaches. Eliud Kipchoge, the fastest marathoner, is backed up by an entire team as he takes on the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. It’s all right in front of us.

And yet, I’ve always found it difficult to express to people just how valuable a team can be, when it comes to running. Of course, actions speak louder than words, and that was how I first decided to run as a pace bunny. A way to pay it forward, for all of the years that I ran races and there were other people pacing me the entire way or giving me my stats as I passed a marker.

So out I went, ready to pace a full marathon. I had ran the Edmonton Marathon three times before, knew the course like the back of my hand. I had run my personal best on it, my Boston Qualifying time of 3:25:25. Physically speaking, finishing 4:15 was more than doable. The part that made me a little nervous was whether I had what it took to make the runners that wanted to stick with our group feel like they were strong enough to do so.

That’s what a running team does, at the end of the day. Every person, throughout training and to the very last step of the race, is there to make the runner feel as if they can take on anything. To make them feel stronger and run faster than they thought they could, and to make them proud of their achievement. And in order to prove to myself--and anyone else--that running is not the lone wolf trope people make it out to be, I knew I had to fill that role.

When the couple that had kept up with me and the other 4:15 pacer for most of the marathon came up to me afterwards to tell me how grateful they were and that I did a great job was the moment I realized I had accomplished just that.

The race had been easy on my body and I had spent most of it cheering people on--both those in our group and those passing by us in the opposite direction. It had been fun and exciting. I saw a friend that I had helped train for the marathon, her very first one, tailing behind the 3:45 group. I saw other familiar faces that were enjoying the day. I talked to everyone in my own 4:15 group and got to know them all a little bit: the couple that always ran their marathons together, the retired woman running her first ever marathon on her birthday, the ultra-marathoner that had just done a timed ultra in Vegas a couple months prior.

There is no denying that racing is fun. I love speeding along a road, chasing PBs and pushing my limits. But enjoying these moments is important. Appreciating every person that came out to do something so challenging, cheering people on when they most need to hear it, encouraging them to stay ahead of you, to beat their own goals--focusing on other people and their relationship with running has done wonders for resetting my own passion. It’s incredibly easy to get wrapped up in technical talk and obsessive over every tiny little stat. Easy to fall victim to the same I Work Alone trope that everyone sees when they look at running, and therefore play a bigger role in perpetuating that very wrong impression instead of correcting it. This is toxic, though, and it can feed into something unhealthy. Taking the time to appreciate that the community is much bigger than me, to put my own desires on the back-burner and use my experience to help someone else, is a wonderful reminder of why I have been running for so long with no desire to give it up.

If you feel bored or unsatisfied in your running, if you feel your mind hitting a massive block every time your foot hits the pavement, take it as a sign that you need to do something different. Step back and do something for someone else. Explore a new trail with a friend or join a free run club. Volunteer to man an aid station for a race. Crew for someone running an ultra. Reset your perspective.

Healthy runners never work alone.

[by-endurance--we-conquer]

Looking back at another awesome weekend trip to Marquette. Lots of fun camping with everyone at Tourist Park. Hiked up Hogback with Laura and Sugarloaf with Jack. Watched the LS&I Iron Ore Train and visited the Ore Dock. Lots of bike rides and camp fires. Great time as always. It's definitely become a summer tradition.

Now on to the marathon. Again, it's been 4 years since my last stand alone road marathon. Trail running and road running are different beasts. Still, I thought a PR was very much in reach but would require some suffering along the way. What I didn't expect was to go out there and PR by over 10 minutes and feel great all day but that's how it went down. I never hit a low spot and looking back at it probably left a little bit of time out on the course. At mile 9 I stopped to tie my shoe. From that point on no one passed me but I made my way through the field.

This is such a great race with most of the race taking place on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail which is mostly paved but has some dirt/crushed rock. Someday I'm going to have to take my time on this trail and stop to read some of the mining history stops. I'm not the first to believe there's a strong connection between endurance sports and mining. That connection could be described in one word- grit. I guess that's one of the draws to places like Ishpeming/Negaunee/Marquette and out to the mountains of Leadville.

It might be a net downhill course but there are still some good hills in the final 3 miles especially Presque Isle and that final 1/2 mile slugfest up to the finish line on Third. At that point I emptied the tank and went for it. When I looked at my splits afterward I was surprised to see my last 3 miles were some of my fastest of the whole race.

Boston qualifying has never been a goal of mine which is probably a good thing because even after a 3:33 I'm still 18+ minutes away. That's alot of time. Still, I will admit this race has kind of left with this feeling of wanting to go for more.

3:33:34, 58 of 300 runners.