They are streakers.
No, they're not the least bit embarrassed. In fact, they're quite proud - as they should be.
They are members of the Quarter Century Club, runners who have finished at least 25 Boston Marathons in a row. They are an amazing group and many will be trying to add to their streaks Monday when they toe the starting line in Hopkinton.
Six Quarter Century Club members hail from the Lowell area. Gerard Ottaviano of Westford has finished 36 Boston Marathons in a row. Fellow Westford resident Scott Graham has a streak of 35.
Others registered and looking to add to their streaks Monday are Brian Crane of Townsend (33), Steve Kanaracus of Lowell (32), Michael Kent of Billerica (30) and David Nerrow of Concord (28). The man who founded the Quarter Century Club, Carlisle's Ronald Kmiec, finished 46 in a row before his streak ended a couple of years ago.
Running 26 miles and 385 yards once is difficult, especially on a hilly course like Boston. Imagine doing it year after year after year for 25 years in a row. And it's not just all the strides they'll take on race day. Think about all the training that goes into the races of Ottaviano, Graham, Crane, Kanaracus, Kent and Nerrow.
Then think about when these guys are running incredibly long distances: December, January, February and March. You're talking cold, snow, ice, slick roads, impatient drivers, flu seasons, COVID-19, etc.
After months of running in tough conditions, Mother Nature often has one more surprise on race day. Like a couple of years ago when it rained the entire race, or a race about 10 years ago when temperatures soared into the low 80's.
Kudos to Ottaviano, Graham, Crane, Kanaracus, Kent and Nerrow. Long may they run.
Westford resident Scott Graham will attempt to finish the Boston Marathon for the 36th year in a row.
Comments