Local runners taking part in Boston Marathon
Why would anyone travel some 5,000 kilometres, pay air fare of about $800 and accommodations of about $350 per night to run in a race?
This year three citizens of Prince George – Denny Straussfogel, Blake Mason and Dr. Kathryn Leccese – are flying off to Boston to run in the Boston Marathon on Massachusetts’ very own Patriot’s Day, April 16.
The Boston Marathon is the oldest and most prestigious modern marathon in the world. The first race was held in April 1897 in tribute to the Summer Olympics in Athens the previous year. Except for 1918, when it was cancelled due to the First World War, Boston is also the longest continuously held marathon event in the world. It is the absolute highest goal for most runners.
What is so challenging, as well as different from many marathons, is that one must qualify to enter by running the standard marathon certified by a national governing body affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federations. Boston contestants cover 42.195 km of grueling up and down terrain, with all kinds of everchanging weather. Over 50,000 spectators will be there, encouraging the runners.
Straussfogel started running in 1981, running several marathons in the States and Canada. He calls Boston a very big deal. While he was teaching at the University of New Hampshire, he was an hour’s drive from Boston. However, he didn’t run Boston until he moved to P.G. When I asked what took him so long, he responded with “I was stupid.”
This will be his sixth Boston Marathon.
Dr. Leccese, a P.G. pediatrician, has been a runner for 10 years, running in five marathons. She isn’t expecting a great finishing time but is happy that she qualified. She will be able to cross Boston off her bucket list.
Mason started running at age 13. He ran in his first marathon last spring in Vancouver finishing in three hours and three minutes. That qualified him for Boston. With encouragement, convincing and support from family and friends, Mason views this as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Combined with his love for the city, having been there twice to attend Boston Bruins games, it seems like a natural fit. Mason has been training hard. His goal is to finish in under three hours. Sabrina, Mason’s sister, is extremely proud of her brother’s ambition and training.
Bill Owen ran in eight marathons, including Boston in 2002 and 2017, inspired by the legacy of Terry Fox’s fortitude and enduring drive. He is mesmerized by all aspects of the Boston race. One memorable incident was watching an amputee carry the American flag from start to finish. As the soldier got to the finish line, he saw a young person struggling towards the finish and the soldier helping him to get across that line.
Jacqui Pettersen ran in seven marathons and qualified for Boston the first time in 2015, but due to injury, had to forego that race.
Last year she made it to Boston. Now she is gearing up for Berlin in September .
Having spoken to several others, they shared the same conclusion when asked why travel so far at such a cost.
Pettersen sums it up best, “There seems to be a unique bond between the competitors and a special vibe unlike any I have seen in other marathons. It is a celebration of running and personal achievement, and what can be accomplished with persistence and perseverance. In the days preceding and following the event, runners are treated like a celebrity by the spectators from start to finish, as well as by Bostonians in general. Overall, it really is an epic experience.”
I found the answer to my question. It takes a very special and driven, goal-oriented person to run the Boston Marathon. It takes guts.
You can follow our runners via the internet at raceday.baa.org.
Let us all be proud of these fearless goal achievers.
On a personal note, I have a connection to Boston other than the accent that I still can’t shake.
My nephew, Scott, is a firefighter, one of many professionals chosen for volunteer positions. He was at the finish line in 2013 when the bomb went off and was able to put his skills to work. This will be his 12th time at the finish line as a security/first responder. The privileged men and women cherish their responsibilities. My family is very proud of our humble Scott.