NOTEBOOK

Race week happenings, stats and stories

MILESTONE MOMENT

HENRY RICHARD COMPLETES HIS FIRST BOSTON MARATHON

In arguably the most meaningful finish of the day, Boston native Henry Richard crossed the finish of his first Boston Marathon in 4:02:20. The 20-year-old college student ran in honor of his brother, Martin, who tragically passed away in 2013

"It's beyond words," Henry said of his race. "So much emotion. I know Martin would have been doing it with me. I'm happy to finish it."

Henry was greeted by his sister Jane, mom Denise, and dad Bill at the finish, and received his medal from 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi and 1968 winner Amby Burfoot, both of whom have been ambassadors for Team MR8.

When asked if he'd race Boston again, Henry was quick to answer. "Of course — 100 percent, there is not a doubt in my mind," he said. "I loved every second of it. This feels so great, I can't wait to do it again."

Val Rogosheske: Finishing What She Started, 50 Years Later

This year's Boston Marathon celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1972 race, the first to feature an official women's division. Nina Kuscsik (first place), Kathrine Switzer (third), Pat Barrett (fourth), Sara Mae Berman (fifth), and Valerie Rogosheske (sixth) all returned to Boston to mark the milestone, taking part in panels, sharing stories, and reflecting on how much the sport has changed over fifi ve decades — from eight women's finishers in '72 to nearly 11,000 this year.

Of the quintet, Rogosheske took to the roads on raceday, finishing this year's Boston Marathon alongside her daughters Allie and Abby as well as her cousin Kris Swanson, in 6:38:57.

"I actually was blown away by some of the reaction of the women who came up to talk to me and thank the eight of us for what we did and saying what the impact was on their life," Rogosheske told reporters. "That was really, really emotional for me too. So I think in some ways, the importance of that hit me stronger."

Rogosheske also served as the honorary starter of the professional women’s division

on Marathon Monday, and wore bib no. 1972 in recognition of her race 50 years ago. All five trailblazing finishers received honorary Marathon Milestone medals at the Boston Marathon Opening Ceremony on Friday.

"It's just been amazing. It's really been something else," Rogosheske said. "This is a lifelong mountaintop memory."