Barefoot Rick's Boston Marathon Report

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

Factoids:

Temperature at start - 42 degrees F
Temperature at Finish - 52 degrees F

Finish Time - 4:07:58
Pace - 9:28
1492 Place - Age Group 51 to 55 Males
Overall - 17074

61st Marathon
43rd Consecutive Barefoot Marathon Since April 2004
*Ran the entire distance

2008 Soles For Souls

Transforming Lives
Through the Gift of Mobility

The Boston Marathon is an enigma to me. While I usually don't have a problem qualifying to get to Boston (once I set my mind and heart to do so), it has been elusive to try to recreate a similar Boston qualifying time on the Boston course itself. Although I didn't make my sub-4 hour goal (which is still short of my qualifying time of 3 hours and 35 minutes), it was still a wonderful experience returning for my 5th Boston Marathon. Below are a few pictures before, during, and after the race.

(Left) Pete Thalmann, owner of the "Hawaii House" in Hopkinton. This is directly across from the start line and a wonderful place to hang out before the race. (Right) The sign kind of says it all!

Barefooter Matt Fuxan running the painted line at about mile 10. (I believe we were the only barefoot runners out of 26,000 runners).

(Left) Bill Rodgers, multi-year winner of the Boston Marathon in the late 1970s, finished about the same time I did. Bill told me after the race, "You look great, you ran smart even if you were barefoot!" (Left) Showing some sole and sporting the finisher medallion.

Media Highlights

Barefoot Rick's Barefoot Boston Marathon Phone Interviews with KMBC Channel 9

*I am a marathon runner and do not prescribe to a run/walk method for MY marathons. Likewise, I do not judge anyone else for "finishing" a marathon in whatever way they can propel themselves across the finish line, whether it be walking, crawling, etc. All marathon finishes are notable in their own regard.