2023-04-17 20:13:40
Recognized for his excellent physical condition during his hockey career, former National League defenseman Zdeno Chara achieved a feat on Monday by completing the Boston Marathon for the first time.
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The 46-year-old completed the 42 kilometer course in a time of 3:38:23.
“I’m proud to be a Bostonian,” he told local television station WCVB after his race. The feelings are great and I am honored to share this moment with so many participants and supporters, as well as the city of Boston and the entire community. It’s always something I wanted to accomplish. I am very grateful to the team who helped me during my training. She encouraged me and made sure to make me ready for this ordeal.
Very implicated
The one wearing bib number 3333 took part in the famous event in order to support two local charities, the Thomas E. Smith and Hoyt foundations. The first aims to improve the quality of life of people with paralysis through financial and emotional support, while creating initiatives to prevent spinal cord injuries.
As for the second, it bears the name of Dick Hoyt, a runner who took part in the marathon a dozen times by pushing his son sitting on a wheelchair. The athlete died in September 2021 at the age of 80.
Also, Chara admitted that his presence at the marathon 10 years after the attacks that occurred during this competition and which left three dead and more than 260 injured has a particular flavor.
“We will consider this one of the greatest tragedies, but also one of the best examples where everyone turned things around. What this city and the people have shown is their way of coming together and supporting each other which was truly inspiring and motivating for all. Ten years later, I still had that in mind and I tried to give my best in the last miles thinking of all those who were affected, “said the former captain of the Bruins and Stanley Cup winner in 2011.
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