By Lisa Hendrickson, Shickley Correspondent

April 16, 2012, is an unforgettable day for Wes Hochstetler. It was the day the Shickley man ran in the world’s oldest marathon—the Boston Marathon. Already an avid distance runner, Hochstetler had run in several marathons, before an acquaintance asked him if he would like to run in the Boston Marathon. Hochstetler had made the qualifying time—less than 3 hours, 40 minutes for his age range. He decided to take on the challenge.

Unlike other races he has been in that circle through the city, this 26.2 mile road race begins outside of the city and continues through the hilly countryside and several towns. It ends in the heart of Boston, which holds the race on the holiday—Patriot’s Day.

Thousands of spectators lined the route shouting encouragement to the 22,000 plus racers along the way. Hochstetler was impressed and encouraged by the enthusiasm of those who offered support in the heat of the day.

Although unable to keep his intended pace due to the temperature (an unseasonably balmy mid-80s at mid-race time), Hochstetler finished the race with a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes. Others succumbed to the less than ideal conditions and had to drop out. Over 4,300 registrants elected not to participate due to the dangers posed by the heat. Several newspapers in the Boston area reported that more than 100 participants were taken to area hospitals during the running of the 116th annual marathon.

Taking advantage of the water offered each mile and the tents that were equipped with cool mist sprayers, Hochstetler was able to keep going.

When asked about participating in the iconic race, “It was a great experience,” Hochstetler said.

To learn more about the Boston Marathon, go to www.baa.org.