When I began running and training for my first marathon, Boston was always on my mind. I didn't hold it for a goal but often thought about what it would be like to run in the Super Bowl of marathons. The history, the stories, the prestige of it all. A race that I would have to qualify for, the concept of being required to run a given pace at a given age excited me. To hear that someone ran Boston, or see someone in a Boston race shirt or jacket, that was the shit. The distinct blue and yellow of the gear could be picked out at any race expo and I couldn't help but nod and be in aw of those who earned it.
When I began running I was also naive; Boston only meant running a fast time at another race and having the opportunity to be accepted to race there. What I've realized is the much deeper meaning of the Boston Marathon. Although it holds a standard of the race of all road races for runners, it continues to serve as a means of equality. Since 1975 the marathon has allowed for physically impaired athletes to participate. They have qualifying standards for all types of disabilities and even two person teams comprised of an able bodied runner and a non-able runner. I've been integrated in to the blind and visually impaired athletic world for a few years and can report that this year's Boston Marathon field had the highest number of visually impaired/blind runners ever. Boston has opened it's race to all athletes who are elite in their respective athletic world. I commend The Boston Athletic Associate for this equality as it doesn't exist across all race types. In contrast, Ironman does not have qualifying spots for Kona to anyone who falls in their "Physically Challenged" division. They offer a separate lottery for all those that are Physically Challenged, which is comprised of all disabilities: blind, amputee, wheel chair bound.... Recently, as a part of that lottery they selected a visually impaired women, the first to my knowledge, who will get to compete in Kona this year. She's very qualified as a multi-Ironman finisher and very deserving. She, like the other "Physically Challenged" triathletes, just haven't been given the chance to qualify on their own accord.
Lastly, my being naive in only thinking about my personal qualifying standard for Boston was not knowing about their fundraising program. The Boston Athletic Association will partner with you or your organization as a means to raise funds for causes you care about. I love this idea and had the chance to watch a friend of mine spend her free time and efforts raising money for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. She personally raised over $5,000. Allowing the opportunity to leverage The Boston Marathon in a manner to raise money and awareness is simply a great idea.
This year helped me recognize the celebration that the Boston Marathon is for so many people. I've loved reading the stories of my visually impaired friends, my friend from growing up, learning about people who fought addiction and started foundations to help others fight addiction, runners who carried another runner across the finish line as the athlete was collapsing before the finish line. All of the hope, all of the effort, all of the work by the athletes, the fundraisers is all on stage in the best way possible at the Boston Marathon. I'm proud to know that the biggest running race is truly available for anyone even if they can't see, or can't walk, as long as they have the heart, they are welcome.
Thank you BAA and thank you Boston.
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