The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world, and for many runners the most highly regarded. On Monday, April 18th, the 120th annual marathon went underway and people from all over came to take part. This year Ethiopian runners completely swept the race. In first place for the men was Hayle with a time of 2:12:45 and in first for the women was Baysa with a time of 2:29:19. When asked how they felt after the race they both said how tough it was, but worth it. To run this race, let alone win, is something most would never even think of, so a congratulations is definitely a must for these two strong runners.

Three years ago the Boston Marathon took a sad and devastating turn when double bombings went off near the finish line that left three dead and many injured. Since then, for every marathon, there has been heavy security to make sure the runners and the people cheering them on are safe.

Starting off this year’s race where the mobility impaired runners from those bombings. One of the survivors was Adrianne Haslet, a professional ballroom dancer, who lost a leg. Another survivor that ran the race was Patrick Downes who had been a runner well before the marathon and whose wife also had been hurt during the bombings. Both are such a huge inspiration to people everywhere and their strength despite such a terrible trajedy is definitely awe worthy.

The Boston Marathon is a loved event that draws people from all over the world. To be able to say that you were able to participate in the marathon, let alone win, is an amazing victory for anyone. Adding the survivors from the bombings showed what it means to never give up and their courage is an inspiration to all.