ICYMI: Runners finish coldest Boston Marathon in decades

April 17, 2018 9:01 am

By: Melissa Randall

Twitter: @MRandallABC6

BOSTON, MASS.— It will go down as one of the most challenging Boston Marathons in history. Runners and spectators braved the elements Monday for the 122^nd running of the historic race.

The event goes off rain or shine and this year it poured buckets.

"It’s bad. And wet, very wet,” Pauline O’hallern as she waited for her daughter to cross the finish line.

“I’m not cold. I have 7 layers on. I’ve gained 30 pounds,” laughed Olga Porter of Lowell.

There was no sugar coating it. The day was tough for spectators who showed up in ponchos and wearing plastic bags on their feet. It was even more difficult for the athletes who had to run 26.2 miles in the elements to finish the course.

“I’m cold. I’m tired. But I’m happy. It was awesome. It was absolutely awesome,” said Chris Przer, a runner from Pheonix.

One by one they came across and greeted their families. The day was especially meaningful for members of Team MR8, a charity in remembrance of the youngest bombing victim. Ray Phillps daughter and son-in-law got bumped from the race, but were invited to participate on the charity team, and graciously accepted the offer.

“Martin’s mother called them and said we want you to run for our team,” explained Ray Phillips who proudly stood on the sidelines to cheer on his kids.

The day was tough on many levels, inducing emotionally. Monday’s race came 5 years after the attack at the finish line. It’s a day no one can forget. The medals around the athlete’s necks a symbol that the people of Boston continue to move forward.

After receiving their medals many of the runners chose not to stick around. They had completed their mission and were ready to get out of their soggy sneakers.

“A hot shower and some warm drinks. And then some good drinks later,” is what Przer said he was most looking forward to.