The 118th Boston Marathon was always going to be an amazing race, full of emotion & inspirational stories, and the great race certainly delivered. Marathon Monday holds a special place in the hearts of many, and after the horrible 
events of last year the 2014 race came to represent more then a foot race; it was a show of strength, defiance & determination as the people of Boston & runners from around the world reclaimed the great race and created new positive news stories for the world to see. One such story is the incredible effort of South African wheelchair athlete Ernst Van Dyk who won his 10th Boston Marathon, which is a record itself. There were incredible scenes such as the married couple, Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky 
who both lost a leg in last years tragic bombings, finishing the race hand in hand together. This is symbolic of the determination many runners & locals Boston residents felt towards today. The #BostonStrong hash tag was certainly demonstrated by the 35,000 runners, as well as volunteers, officials security & organisors.
On the record breaking day defending women’s champion Rita Jeptoo set a new course record (2:18.57) as she claimed her 3rd race victory in Boston. Jeptoo reeled in local hero Shalane Flanagan, who led early, over the Newtown hills. I remember the Newtown hills well with the 3rd & largest hill, commonly known as Heartbreak hill, being lined with hundreds (probably even thousands) of Boston College students who cheer like you’re a superstar. Maybe it’s the early morning drinks or the special place this race holds but even back in 2012 when I ran it was an incredible feeling. Along with the famous Wellesley scream tunnel about half way through the race, the college students really create an incredible atmosphere.
All eyes were on Boston yesterday (last night, Mon 22nd) 
as the race bounced back from the horrors of last year. With dignity those who lost their loves were remembered, as many people came to race this year to finish a commitment made at least 12 months ago. American runner Meb Keflezighi was one such runner and in a result that couldn’t have been scripted any better Meb became the first American winner of the Boston marathon since 1983. With an incredibly consistent pacing effort (difficult on the undulating course) Meb (2:08.37) eased away from Kenyan Wilson Chebet (2:08.48) to bring American marathoning back to the top at Boston. On Meb’s race bib you can see the names of those killed in tragic events of last year. It was a nice touch of the man for whom undoubtedly, this win means so much. No doubt America is brimming with pride at the 2014 Boston Champion
The most prestigious marathon, the oldest continually run marathon (now at 118 years), Boston has again proved it’s abominable strength as it rises once more to show the world the power of runners from across the globe. I certainly would love an opportunity to run Boston again as i’m sure thousands of people from around the world are desperate to go back, or write a new chapter in their own running, and be part of such a great race.
Read more about the Amazing Boston Marathon as we take a look at 7 reasons (of hundreds) to love this great race.
Catch up on last years race wrap up here with our 2013 Boston Marathon blog.
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