Jamie Lee Rogers lives in Fort Smith and attended the 2014 Boston Marathon. Rogers said crossing the finish line Monday (April 21) was something she will never forget.
“It was crazy,” said Rogers. “There were spectators the entire way. There were about a million spectators, and I think that was the only thing that kept me going.”
Rogers said she used the 2013 bombings as an inspiration and it fueled her dream to be a part of the race.
“It was pretty emotional. A lot of people with messages on the back of their shirts affected or knew the people that were killed.”
With emotions running high she said before taking her first step, the added security helped calm her nerves.
“There was security even on top of the buildings,” said Rogers. “There were helicopters. They were taking every precaution that they could.”
Just after the halfway mark Rogers said she was unsure how much longer she could go. A section of the race runners call heart break hill put Rogers training to test.
“They announced on the megaphone that an American had just won the Boston Marathon,” Rogers said. “I can remember everybody around me all screaming and cheering and gave us that little extra push.”
Rogers finished strong.
“Tears were running down my face,” Rogers said. “People next to me were crying. People in the audience, the crowd were just congratulating us and so proud of what we did.”
Rogers said she has already qualified for next year's marathon and plans to attend for years to come.