People from all over the world are in Boston getting ready for this year’s Boston marathon, including a Fort Smith woman who is running in the event for the first time.
The 2013 Boston bombings injured 264 people and killed three. For Fort Smith native Jamie Lee Rogers, she saw it as an inspiration.
"I can remember that night,” Rogers said.” I just went to bed, and I just had this calming and this peace about me---woke up that Saturday morning and I ran in Kansas and I qualified for the Boston Marathon.”
Rogers since then has been training all year for the Boston Marathon, which is scheduled for Monday.
"It is such an honor to be here,” she said. “This has always been my dream.”
With her dream approaching, so is the excitement, she said.
“I still have to wait a few more days until I'm racing,” said Rogers. “So I'm just going to take it easy. I`m probably going to do like an easy fou-miler tomorrow and then just take it easy on Sunday and eat as many carbs as possible.”
Rogers said she feels safe despite last year’s attacks.
“Run in remembrance of the victims who lost their lives, and I know a lot of their families will be there," said Rogers. "I`m sure that`s very hard for them and so Monday will be very emotional."
But crossing the finish line for the first time, will be something she will never forget, she said.
“Every time I cross that finish line, it`s a blessing,” said Rogers.
The race is 26 miles long. Rogers expects it will take her three-and-a-half hours.