- Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 April 2015 01:45
By Michelle Taylor
On Saturday, April 18 at 9 a.m., the starting gun fired and the runners were off, as the Boston Trail half-marathon and 5Krun/walk kicked off another year with over 800 participants and at least 40 volunteers.
Jacob (18) and Eileen Buchheit |
The marathon, hosted by Judy and Bill Marshall of Elizabeth Township, has something for everyone, and people of all abilities participate.
The race began on the trail and led up to Donner Street, looped around and came back, totaling 3.1 miles for the runners and walkers. The walkers were led by Jacob Buchheit and his mother, Eileen Buchheit, in a special handicapped bike made for children with special needs. The Buchheits work very closely and represent the Variety Club, which makes and provides handicapped bikes for children in 8 counties. Jacob said, "Riding bikes are fun."
A little further up the trail was Emery Strotman, an avid runner who has spent three years running, two years competing, and one year training. He has even participated in the actual Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, calling it the "super bowl" of marathons and finding the experience humbling.
Landon Baron and his dad, Lee Baron, have been participating in races together, including this one, for the last two years. They work together and support each other by stretching and encouraging one another throughout the races.
After many years of hosting the race, the Marshalls have successfully wrapped up another marathon race, not only for the locals of Elizabeth Township, but also for those from the surrounding areas as well. They said they have all intentions of continuing to host the race each year if possible.