What Were Boston Marathoners' Favorite Moments?

Published April 19, 2016 06:02PM

Some heroes do wear capes! We caught up with some inspiring runners at the finish line of the Boston Marathon this afternoon to learn what made the race one they will remember for a lifetime…

“Just being a part of the Boston Marathon, it such an epic milestone for any runner. The last mile—because I knew it was going to be done! I’m from Chicago (the flatlands) so it was super challenging. It became very real in those last couple turns that I was actually going to finish.” – Kerry Stillmunkes, Yorkville, IL

“My favorite was the Wellesley girls. They’re hysterical. It was awesome. I usually listen to music and I had no desire to. I wrote my name on my arm so they were calling my name. You feel like a celebrity!” – Emily Hanlin, Stover, DE

“The finish was fantastic. I started crying. All of my family came with custom shirts. Everything I’ve done all paid off in that moment. This was a great success story for me. I was diagnosed 8 years ago with Lupus and I was told I would probably never run again so I defied the odds.” – Deanna Galbreth ,Windsor, Ontario

“Running through Wellesley. The crowd support there is amazing. I enjoy how clever everyone’s signs are. I liked: ‘Pain is the French word for bread.'” – Tamara Rozental, Mexico City, Mexico

“Going by the girls’ college is so much fun. The energy is insane. You can hear it from a good quarter mile away. It’s ear piercing in such a good way. Especially with this being the 50^th anniversary of women running, it was very empowering. I thank God for the people who gave us the opportunity to do it. It’s fun to see women out there kicking some butt.” – Tristen Rogers, Boulder, CO

“My favorite part was making it up to the top of Heartbreak Hill with a smile on my face. I did Boston in 2013, the year of the bombings. It was very meaningful to come back because it was something big to get over. I was two blocks down from the finish when the bombs went off so I saw everything. I went from my highest high finishing the marathon to my lowest low. I’ve never experienced anything like that. It was very heartbreaking. It was so meaningful for me to come back.” – Julia Norcia, Columbia, SC

“I passed two people at two different times who were double amputees. It was amazing. It made me forget all of my aches and pains for the moment for sure. This is my second Boston. I have four boys so I want do to four (Bostons) to give them each a medal and show them that you can do anything you put your mind to.” – Trish Coleman, St Louis, MO

“Running by Boston College was special for me because the first time I ran, I had to stop at the college because I had injured myself. It was really sweet all of the kids out there cheering you on.” – Mia Park, Austin, TX (pictured)