It’s hard to think about time passing and life moving forward. As I reflect on graduation, I look back at the events in between my freshman year and now senior spring. The 2013 Boston Marathon will always stay with me as well as the events following that day.
4.15.13. I remember where I was watching the race, I remember who I was cheering with, and above all I remember hearing a sound. It was cloudy that day and I thought it was thunder. I didn’t think much of it and I decided to leave for a short break. It only took a few minutes until I found out what the sound really was. I was watching the race in Kenmore, a mile away from Copley, a mile away from the attacks at the finish line.
The city of Boston grew darker that day. The events that took place afterwards forever shine as moment of courage and strength. A city shaken by fear turned into a city injected with hope and bravery. The community cared for one another and the city of Boston was determined to not let the attacks have a long-lasting effect. Boston Strong was born and became a symbol of greatness.
This year I signed up to run in the Boston Athletic Association 5K, which is the first event of the distance medley (5K, 10K, and Half Marathon). After everything the city has done and still continues to do to make Boston strong, I wanted to give back. The last mile of the Boston Marathon is part of the 3.1-mile course. Every participant would run or walk across the marathon finish line in Copley. Even before reaching that point, participants pass under the tunnel with the words “Boston Strong” painted in the bold and iconic blue and yellow.
It was an emotional experience running alongside members of Team MR8 when passing the marathon finish line. MR8 is the official running team of the Martin Richard Foundation, which honors 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was the youngest victim of the bombings. Running with Bostonians and other runners from different parts of the country was a moment of greatness.
The energy of the crowd at the finish line, including spectators cheering from the apartment windows, made the day even more special. There were 10,000 participants in this race, an increase from last year. This year there are more than 30,000 entrants for the 120th Boston Marathon. And I will be at the last mile in Kenmore, celebrating a great moment.