Congratulations to Communication student, Francesca! She recently ran in the 2014 Boston Marathon. Check out her post below to find out how she won.

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To people outside of New England, Patriot’s Day is just like any other Monday.  To New Englanders, Patriot’s Day is Marathon Monday, the greatest day of the year. From Hopkinton, MA, all the way to Boylston St. located in the heart of the city, streets are packed with runners and spectators from all over the world, covered in both sweat and filled with smiles.

It’s hard to think that just one year ago, Marathon Monday was nothing like this.  On April 15^th, 2013, I was sitting at my desk at my internship in Wilmington, Delaware when my boss came running into my office.  Knowing that I was from the area, she informed me there was an explosion at the marathon finish line. I quickly called my family and friends who were in the city that day, but could not get a hold of any of them. I knew something was wrong.  Two bombs went off at the finish line that day, killing three people and injuring over 260.  As the events of that week unfolded, I had never felt more helpless in my life. I just felt like I had to do something.

As a full-time student, I never imagined I would have the time to train for a marathon.  But, here I am. I ran the 2014 Boston Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and for all of those affected by last year’s events. With the help of my amazing friends and family, I raised over ten thousand dollars for an extremely worthy cause and took part in restoring the finish line for the city of Boston. The range of emotions felt on Marathon Monday can hardly be put into words, especially during this year’s event. The nerves you feel on the bus to the starting line.  The pain that your body encounters around the halfway marker.  The tears you form when you think about the lives that were tarnished from last year’s tragedies.  And finally, the happiness that consumes you when you cross the finish line on Boylston St.

My favorite moment of the marathon was finding my friends and family along the course. It came at mile eight, where I found my longtime family friend, with an enormous sign, “Go FRANNY!” It came at Mile 21, after the infamous three-mile incline titled “Heartbreak Hill,” where I found my best friend, screaming, crying, and sending me on my way.  And it came at mile 25 where I found my parents, sorority sisters, and University of Delaware friends, chanting my name.

Although the 2014 Boston Marathon was my first marathon ever, it will certainly not be my last. This year, the marathon ensured that we will always remember the victims, honor the heroes, and pray for those affected.  I am truly blessed to have been able to run in this historic event and experience such a life-changing event.  See you next year!