Boston Marathon Invocation
I’m not an overly superstitious or religious man, but being that the big race is less than a week away…

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By Christopher J. Russell
Posted Wednesday, 14 April, 2004

Prayer is my only remaining option.
(To be shared with participants on race day)

Some two thousand five hundred years ago the Athenians feasted their victory over Darius I and the Persians at Marathon.

But, during this celebration, our brother Phaedippas lay dead of exhaustion after carrying the news across the peninsula to Athens. He ran all the way.

Today we honor his feat by setting off on our own journey.

Like Phaedippas we have only our mortal strength, our legs and our hearts to bring to bear on the task.

Although we will be among a throng, we will be essentially alone in our task, beholden only to ourselves.

We have done our training and preparation and now it is time to take care of business.

The outcome is up to fate and the gods.

May we fly like the fleet winged Mercury down the slopes of Hopkinton and Ashland.

Give us the speed of the fleet footed Achilles (whose troublesome tendons I have inherited) as we power out of Newton Lower Falls over 128.

Lend us the strength of Hector as we grind up the hills.

Give us the power of Zeus when we lose hope at mile 23.

Bring us home from our wanderings like the wrath of Ulysses as we turn right onto Hereford and left onto Boylston Street.

Give us strength and courage.

For today we run like Gods!

Related info:
> Photos from 2003 Boston Marathon

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