Freezing rain wasn’t enough to stop our Team Boston Partners runners from crossing the finish line at the 122nd Boston Marathon on Monday.
Despite some of the worst Boston Marathon conditions in recent memory — which resulted in many reports of hypothermia and a dropout rate that was 50% higher than in 2017 — runners Katie Delaney, Taylor Dieffenbach, and Stacy Hughes each found the strength to push past “Heartbreak Hill” and complete the historic race.
Team Boston Partners runners (from left to right) Katie Delaney, Taylor Dieffenbach, and Stacy Hughes show off their finisher medals.
“For me, the challenge was more mental than physical out there,” said Stacy. “Staying on a course with puddles, high winds and rain hitting your face constantly made me dig deep to keep going. Quitting was not an option. I just told myself that if I could weather this, I could handle any other race condition thrown at me.”
Taylor was first to reach Boylston Street, clocking in with an impressive 3:23:16 finishing time. He was soon joined by Katie (4:26:38) and Stacy (4:40:00) at the nearby post-race party hosted by the Boston Coalition, where the runners were reunited with family and friends. Drawing on inspiration from their loved ones was critical in overcoming the tough conditions.
“The crowds were amazing,” recalls Stacy. “The course was lined with spectators the whole way through. The cheering never stopped throughout all the rain — it really made the day. Knowing my family was there at the end was my reward to keep going and celebrate the finish line.”
Running on marathon bibs courtesy of the John Hancock Nonprofit Program, the trio of runners also spent five months fundraising on behalf of Boston Partners in Education. Collectively, the team raised over $38,000 in support of our academic mentoring programming in the Boston Public Schools, a feat which earned their efforts a mention in MassNonprofit News’ Wednesday Report.
We are so proud of Katie, Taylor, and Stacy for their incredible efforts and perseverance, both in the marathon, and in raising funds to support Boston Public Schools students. Thanks to all who supported them along the way.