Thoughts From the Finish Line: Runners Discuss Their Boston Marathon Experience

Many of the runners who finished the 120th Boston Marathon hobbled away from the finish line in a stupor, their legs trembling and their entire bodies shaking. They had just run 26.2 miles, after all.

But in between the tears and the gulps of water, these Boston marathoners shared their motivations and experiences:

Anne Mederios, Omaha, Neb.

“I don’t look my best right now. This is my 20th marathon, but my eighth in Boston. I’m 72, so I’m just honored to be here. I’m honored to qualify and to not have any injuries. It’s harder now because I’m older, but you’re just doing the very best you can do.”

Josh Cassidy, Ottawa, Canada

“This is just what I’ve done for 17 years. I just do it. I’d say my driving force is to win. I won here in 2012 and set the world record at 1:18:25.”

Carolyn Burhart, Plainville, Mass.

“This is my third time running, but the last time I ran the marathon was 20 years ago. I got a waiver March 8 to participate, and I said, ‘yes, I’m in,’ because it’s Boston and you never pass up Boston. But I wasn’t exactly training for it. I was apprehensive, but I’m just so glad I finished.”

Stephen Chebogut, Kenya

“It’s my first time in Boston. I’ve run 14 marathons, but I’ve never run a hard course like this — those hills.”

Alex Mendoza, Miami, Fla.

“This race was extremely hard. How did I get through the Newton Hills? By walking. This race is not for me, but I did it.”

Krissy Olsen, Salt Lake City, Utah

“I ran the Marathon last year and this year was basically the polar opposite. It was warm and sunny, and, this time, I could actually take in the cities. I absolutely loved Wellesley. I clapped every single one of those girls’ hands and blew them all kisses.”

Craig Welton, left, and Alosha O’Brien, Boston, Mass.

Welton: “We met each other through Best Buddies about 11 years ago. I’m the director of the program. This is our third year running together. He told me he wanted to run the marathon and I said I would figure it out.”

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