More than a dozen residents from Newport County will participate in the 122nd running of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16th.
The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity, and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification).
In its 33rd year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock recently announced the elite field for the 122nd Boston Marathon on April 16. Six Boston Marathon champions and 17 top U.S. runners will challenge an exceptional men’s and women’s international field that includes 23 Olympians. Altogether, the John Hancock Elite Athlete team has won 14 Olympic and IAAF World Championships Marathon medals, as well as more than 100 global marathons including 17 Abbott World Marathon Majors. The field’s success in strategic and tactical championship style racing will prove critical as they run the world’s most historic marathon course from Hopkinton to Boston.
In 2018, 30,000 runners will make up the 1222nd Boston Marathon field. Of those 30,000, 17 call Newport County home. Those runners are;
From Newport
- Betsy Walker
- Scott Nanfelt
- Jan Mermin
- Tara Smallidge
- Chris Shanahan
- William Casey
- Jennifer Maddocks
From Middletown
- Danielle Kennedy
- Kim Wunderlich
- Joel Kehm
From Portsmouth
- Kevin Callahan
- Tommy Long
- Kelsi Chappell
- John Urban
- Jon Lawson
From Tiverton
- Mary Jane Johnson
From Little Compton
- No marathon entry
From Jamestown
- Joseph Weiss
24 from Newport County ran the Boston Marathon in 2017, while 22 from Newport County ran the Boston Marathon in 2016.
To see who else is registered to participate in the 2018 Boston Marathon, click here.
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has previously announced its campaign for the 2018 Boston Marathon, the “Year of Service”. The Year of Service will celebrate the altruism that bonds country, mission, and community leading up to the 122nd Boston Marathon on April 16. As a result of to America’s involvement in World War I, the 1918 Boston Marathon was held as a military relay race, unlike its traditional fashion. Ten-man teams representing various military branches ran from Ashland to Boston, passing a baton along the course. The relay served as a unifying moment for community and country.
To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 1918 relay, the Boston Marathon will incorporate a special Military Relay within this April’s race. Service members from the eight cities and towns along the race route and different branches of the military will be part of this ceremonial occurrence. Additionally, as part of the Year of Service, law enforcement personnel, fire fighters, doctors, nurses, and EMTs will be recognized for their service to their communities. Also, event volunteers will be celebrated for their service towards the Boston Marathon and the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle. With 2018 marking the five-year anniversary of the April 15, 2013 tragedy, first responders and volunteers who served that day will also be honored.
Throughout race weekend, individuals will be recognized and honored in various ways, including during the race and at the three-day John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. All Boston Marathon runners and family members will be able to extend a special thank you to those who they feel embody the Year of Service ideals.