A Marathon of the Human Spirit

Editor's note: SUCCESS sends heartfelt condolences to all the runners and spectators affected.

Before Monday's race-day bombings, the Boston Marathon stood for storied tradition and the pinnacle of athletic prowess. Now, the oldest marathon in the world and the most prestigious, the Boston Marathon, has displayed acts of bravery following the explosions that show an unbreakable American spirit where people will do everything in their power to help someone in need. The runners and people present at the Boston Marathon Monday are heroes, for first having the powerful drive to run and then the courage to help in tragedy.

According to comments shared with the media last year, their reasons for being here are as unique as they are.

“When I am running, all of life’s puzzles evaporate, and the questions go on vacation. The only place I’m going is forward... and I just go there! No questions asked,” said Jessi Rosinski, 31.

“Running 26.2 miles taught me that the person I thought I was is no match for the person I really am,” said 40-year-old David Costantini.

“I run to be my own sports hero,” said Eric Hager, 51. “It’s great watching the local teams achieve, but I’d rather finish last in my own race than watch a hundred championships from the couch.”

“I run because growing older means enjoying life to its fullest,” said Nancy Simpson, 52. “I run because I am able.”