Several survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing showed their spirit by running in this year’s marathon.
Patrick Downes completed the Boston Marathon this year, three years after he lost a leg in the bombing. After crossing the finish line, Downes embraced his wife, Jessica Kensky, who lost both legs in the bombing. The couple were newlyweds back in 2013 when they were injured in the bombing. Downes said the cheering crowd encouraged him and kept him going.
"Terrorism is a really perverted thing," said Downes. "Peace and love and goodness will always prevail. and that’s something we have felt for the last three years, that I felt when I was out there running." After hugging Kensky, Downes went over to the stands to share a high-five and hug with Bill Richard, the father of Martin Richard.
Adrianne Haslet, a dancer who lost a leg in the bombing, crossed the finish line shortly after 7:30 p.m. A group of supporters joined Haslet as she made it to Boylston Street. Haslet said she encountered trouble on the way, as her leg with the prosthetic got swollen. She had to stop halfway and said she was worried she would not finish.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady posted a message on Facebook earlier Tuesday, calling Haslet his inspiration. She also received a congratulatory tweet from President Barack Obama.
Also finishing the race was Marc Fucarile, who also lost a leg in the terror attack. Fucarile completed the race for the first time, using a hand-cycle. Fucarile said he was inspired to compete this year after Bill McCabe ran 100 marathons, one for each day he was in the hospital.
The winner of the women’s wheelchair race, Tatyana McFadden, competed on Team MR8. The team benefits the Martin Richard Foundation, named for the youngest victim of the bombing. McFadden posed at the finish line for a victory photo with the Richard family.
Bombing survivor Jeff Bauman also got to watch his wife, Erin, finish the race. Three years ago, he lost both legs in the bombing while he waited at the finish line for her to cross.
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