By Ron P. Coderre

The 2014 Boston Marathon was special this year because of the events of 2013 when two terrorist bombs exploded near the finish line killing three people and injuring hundreds of other.  In an effort to demonstrate “Boston Strong” and to send a message to potential terrorists, the people of Boston and surrounding areas made this year’s race a spectacular show case of strength.

More than 36,000 runners participated in this year’s marathon, 9,000 more runners than usual.  Along the route from Hopkinton through Heartbreak Hill and down to the finish line at Copley Square, more than one million spectators and onlookers urged the runners on.

As fate might have it, a United States citizen who had immigrated to this country as a young man won the race.  Meb Keflezighi broke the tape in 2:08.37, a full 11 seconds ahead of second place finisher Wilson Chebet.  The female winner was Rita Jeptoo in a time of 2:18.57.

As usual northeastern Connecticut was well represented in the field.  Leading the pack of local entries was Michael Stadolnik of Plainfield in an amazing time of 2:33.02.  He was only 24 plus minutes off the winning time.  Stadolnik is a familiar face to local running followers; in fact on March 9 he captured the O’Putnam 5 K.

Another familiar name, Daniel Gaunya of Woodstock posted a time of 2:50.27.  Gaunya is a Deary Memorial Race top runner and has captured his hometown Memorial Day 10K.  Another Woodstock runner Matthew Lipscomb had a time of 3:09.04, while long distance running veteran and local favorite Harry Lepp of Danielson crossed the finish line in 3:59.30.  David Lusignan also of Woodstock and the record holder in the O’Putnam 5K was also among the local finishers.

Carissa Ekholm of Putnam was the top local female finisher in 3:32.0.  The next local female was Kristen Samples of Thompson (4:16.39) followed by Andrea Borella of Danielson (4:24.35).  Other local women in the field included Sara Hunttyb of Putnam (4:33.34), Anne Nozzolillo of Thompson (5:44.32) and Shannon Belcher of Woodstock (5:46.09).

On a day that was special in Boston the memories of this year’s race will be imbedded in the memories of this year’s local participants for years to come.  In the eyes of those who watched from the sidelines they were all winners.