Shalane Flanagan on the 2014 Boston Marathon

“In my career, I’ve never felt my running take on a more personal meaning than it will to prepare for this year’s race,” said Flanagan. “The 2014 Boston Marathon will be run with overwhelming honor, passion and joy. Each step we take closer to the finish line is a victory in and of itself. It’s hard to express what it means to return this particular year to the place where I grew up and compete. In one word, I guess it would be ‘pride’. I and many in the field will be fueled by those who were affected by the tragedy and will be running for those who can not.”