Local Runners Complete Boston Marathon
The 119th Boston Marathon is over, but runners certainly won't forget the event anytime soon.
24 members of the Greater New Bedford Track Club ran the marathon on Monday. Many of the runners are veterans to the course, but first year runners say its unlike any other race.
Newcomer Gabe Saad of Lakeville says the marathon's history, positive and negative, makes it an emotional experience to cross the finish line.
"Hopefully I'll get to run it again, but if not, its definitely an experience I'll have in the back of my mind for the rest of my life," Saad said.
Gretchen Parmentier and Lynn Vasconcelos have both run the Boston Marathon five years consecutively, with Parmentier posting a personal best time of about 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Vasconcelos, who crossed the finish line at 3 hours 39 minutes, says nothing stops the crowd in Boston from coming out and showing support.
"Boston is always Boston, and no matter what the crowds are going to come out and be in support of you, and they're gonna carry you through those tough times,"
This year's marathon featured tight security, with police in street clothes and checks on all bags. Despite the 2013 terrorist attack at the finish line, runners say they were never concerned for their safety.
Kenny Rogers of Fairhaven has run fifteen Boston Marathons. Although he didn't run in last year's race, he told WBSM News the noticeable changes in security helped make everyone comfortable.
This year's marathon saw 26,610 total runners finish the 26.2 mile course.