Boston Marathon

Looking for Blessings in the Wake of the Boston Marathon Tragedy

For the past nine years the Boston Rescue Mission has organized a team to run the Boston Marathon on behalf of the Mission. This year was no different. Six runners, Mission President John Samaan, Board Member Trip Hargrave, and friends of the Mission Nicholas Armington, William Birhle, David Harrington, and William Rueter trained for months in order to compete in the year’s race.

Two of our runners were able to finish the Marathon before disaster struck, and the third was just a quarter mile away. We thank God everyday that none of our runners or their families were caught in the blast, but still mourn for those who were exposed to such unnecessary violence.

Even though four of our runners were unable to complete the race we still admire their dedication to train in order to support the Mission. This year alone the Mission team raised more than $15,000 for life our transforming programs. Finally, we would like to congratulate William Rueter who finished in 3:06:26 and William Birhle who finished in 3:57:06!

As we begin to look ahead we hope for healing, for courage, and for the peace and the goodness that surround us all. Our community, our supporters, and Boston inspire us and remind us how much we depend on each other. Life can be fragile, but hope, community and love will always endure. That truth is manifested daily at the Mission.