It’s hard to explain what the Boston Marathon means.

To runners, it represents dedication, commitment, endurance. It also represents excellence since only approximately 10 percent of marathon runners meet the qualifying time standards in any given year. To the average runner, going to Boston means you’ve made it to the big league, the “everyman’s Olympics.”

To non-runners, the Boston Marathon is running itself. Run for 117 years, Boston is the grandfather, and now the grandmother of road races since women were officially recognized as participants in 1972.

The Boston Marathon is not just a race. It’s a gift from Boston to the world and the crown jewel of the annual Patriot’s Day celebration, a New England holiday which celebrates our lineage of freedom dating back to 1775 when the common folk of Lexington and Concord stood against injustice and tyranny.

I’ve run the Boston Marathon a total of four times, but not this year. While I have lots of Boston memories, one stands out following the events of this week.

It’s 1994, my second Boston. I’ve passed the giant Citgo sign that’s been my lighthouse beacon on the course for at least three miles and hear the finish line before I see it.

The yellow finish line banner appears like a small light at the end of a tunnel of buildings and barricades. The noise of the elbow-to-elbow crowds grows louder with each block. Homemade signs spring up on either side of the street cheering for Mom, Dad, Jack or Jane.

One more block. I scan the crowd and amazingly, find the familiar faces of my husband, 11-year-old daughter and eight year-old son who have spent the afternoon hopping on and off the train at points along the course to give me strength and encouragement. They’ve somehow managed to wiggle their way into a prime viewing spot within yards of the finish.

We make eye contact. They offer their approval in a smile. I give them my gratitude and love in a wave. Then I throw my arms in the air and cross under the banner. I’ve just finished the Boston Marathon.

Fast forward to 2013. Another eight year-old boy, Martin Richard, waits with his mom and sister at nearly the same spot as my family had on the crowded sidewalk. Finally, they spy Dad churning down Boylston Street. Bill Richard pauses after 26-plus miles to give his son a hug before stepping across the finishing touch pad.

Then a bomb explodes, killing young Martin instantly, wounding his mom and sister. How unthinkable. How senseless. How cowardly.

A bomb meant to kill and maim innocent bystanders is ultimately a solitary and cowardly act, the antithesis of Patriot’s Day. We grieve for the families and friends of those killed and wounded, for the city of Boston, and for the ideals of the Boston Marathon so distorted by one violent act.

But in our collective grief, we bond in the knowledge that this is Patriot’s Day lived out. We still stand together against injustice, not as a village, but as a nation.

One Bostonian expressed that he hoped to see twice the number of runners and spectators on the streets next year.

We are committed to continuing the tradition with the running of the 118th Boston Marathon in 2014.”

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Big Beaver Big Dawgs Winter Training Runs, Beaver. Group of all ages and abilities running various distances. Starts at Second Avenue near Fire Station. http://bbbigdawgs.weebly.com

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Kids Castle 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Cranberry Township. Run through Community Park. 412-761-9720 or kidscastle5k@hotmail.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: CUET and Phi Theta Kappa 5K Run/ Walk, Oil City. Run on Oil City Bike Trail benefits Clarion University Venango College scholarships and equestrian team. 814-657-5077 or e.f.gadsby@eagle.clarion.edu

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Boston Trail Half Marathon and 5K, Elizabeth Township. Out and back on level crushed limestone surface, USATF certified. 412-751-0654 or billhall01@comcast.net

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Big Blue Quest 5K, North Park. Starts at Pool Area. 724-388-6936 or dcrawfo2@wpahs.org

April 27, 9 a.m.: Nixon Preschool 5K FUN-draiser, Butler. Starts at Nixon United Methodist Church, also Tot Trot for kids age six and under. 412-607-1022 or labattsmom@gmail.com

April 27, 9 a.m.: Big Dog 5K Walk and Run, Baden. Starts at Old Economy Park. 724-777-3676 or bigdog5k@hotmail.com

April 27, 10 a.m.: Y-Not Spring Into Spring 5K & 10K, Sandy Lake. Also kids fun run and obstacle course at Maurice K. Goddard State Park. 724-458-9781 or dkrizon@franklinymca.org

April 28, 10 a.m.: Maple Syrup Festival 5K, Foxburg. 714-659-3116 or mvereb@embarqmail.com

April 28, 3 p.m.: Grace Race Road to Peace, New Wilmington. Race at Westminster College with cash prizes benefits Ukraine mission trip. 724-656-0339

May 4, 8 a.m.: The Cinco, Warren. Out and back choice of half marathon, five mile, or 5K runs, kids dashes and post race party. 954-675-4684 or chuckgray@me.com

May 4, 9 a.m: 5Kk in May, Meadville. 814-673-2938 or caycc5kinmay@gmail.com

May 5, 10 a.m.: Nature Festival 5K, Foxburg. Run on groomed trails through Riverstone Estate. 724-659-3116 or mvereb@embarqmail.com

May 12, 8:30 a.m.: Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure 5K, Pittsburgh. 412-342-0500 or komenpittsburgh.org

Race results

Just a Short Run 30K, March 30: Steven Slaby, 1st Overall M, 1:47:44; Gina Slaby, 1st Overall W, 1:53:43; Melissa Kemp, 3rd Overall W, 2:15:08; J.T. Fleming, 2nd 20-24 M, 2:09:10; Barry Mittermeier, 1st 55-59 M, 2:14:26; John Armstrong, 3rd 45-49 M, 2:23:13; Jeff Simons, 3rd 25-29 M, 2:24:05; Dorothy Moxie, 1st 45-49 W, 2:31:49; Sharyl Relic, 3rd 50-54 W, 2:36:43; Pam Daugherty, 2nd 45-49 W, 2:40:21; Edna Spang, 3rd 40-44 W, 2:43:46; Lauren Case, 1st 19 & Under W, 2:55:50; David France, 2:11:49; Michael Baumgartel, 2:15:33; Wayne McCracken, 2:17:03; Adam Leskanic, 2:21:20; Lee Ferguson, 2:25:21; John Lemmex, 2:27:22; Matt Marshall, 2:30:31; Lindsey Monahan, 2:32:12; Steven Salvatore, 2:37:49; Brian Daugherty, 2:40:21; Heather Hudak, 2:34:06; John Dannhardt, 2:34:33; Kenny Lehman, 2:34:44; William Marsh, 2:35:52; Avery Lawson, 2:36:05; Philip Mathew, 2:36:41; Tim Spang, 2:43:46; Jason Fawcett, 2:45:49; Heather Slater, 2:48:24; Bruce Barnes, 2:50:34; Lori McClafferty, 2:52:29; Christine Sevin, 2:52:33; Greg DiTullio, 2:54:49; Catherine Hrach, 2:55:41; Kelley Morrone, 2:55:54; Tim Drouin, 2:55:56; Michelle Ellery, 2:57:51; Randy Cole, 2:57:59; Scott McBride, 2:58:29; Tony Chan, 3:00:12; Kelly Stenger, 3:01:17; Tonia Godown, 3:06:50; Bonnie Case, 3:07:03; Summer Fowler, 3:08:46; Terry Ann Fuller, 3:11:10; Roger Black, 3:13:15; Nicole Khoury, 3:14:32; Lori Griffith, 3:14:33; Heather Oros, 3:20:05; Sany Letterle, 3:20:52; Caleb Rauscher, 3:22:51; Marilyn LaRocca, 3:32:54; Linda Ryan, 3:32:54; Maria Cortijo, 3:36:20; Alfred Schnabel, 3:55:09

Just a Short Run Half Marathon, March 30: James Hommes, 1st Overall M, 1:14:47; Daniel Spaulding, 3rd Overall M, 1:16:28; Roberta Groner, 1st Overall W, 1:26:07; Henry Spreng, 2nd 45-49 M, 1:39:26; Jeff Lynn, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:40:27; Karl Johnson, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:49:49; Judy Caringola, 3rd 45-49 W, 1:56:57; Julia Chase, 1st 14 & Under W, 2:11:10; Thomas Murray, 3rd 70+ M, 2:17:38; Reid Etherson, 2nd 15-19 M, 2:35:38; Michael Smocer, 1:30:27; Ibrahim Ezelarab, 1:43:21; Mary Deet, 1:43:58; Carly Clark, 1:44:26; Kate Stuart, 1:44:26; Kristin Ravasio, 1:45:37; Monica Nielson, 1:48:15; Paul Dibucci, 1:48:21; Mark Pekich, 1:49:43; Kim Spears, 1:50:50; Kevin Aufman, 1:52:22; Kate Turnbull, 1:52:32; Micci Hutterer, 1:55:50; John Sklarsky, 1:57:15; Carrie Smith, 1:57:08; Scott Schawalder, 1:58:23; Mike Hucko, 1:59:04; Doug Cygan, 1:59:29; Jeffrey Kopinski, 1:59:39; Scott Meiser, 2:00:26; Don Polito, 2:01:12; Luanna Demetter, 2:02:16; Ryan Faulkner, 2:03:34; Lyn Royab, 2:03:34; Scott Wahlstrom, 2:04:06; Rachel Hunkele, 2:04:23; Greg Deal, 2:05:38; Ryan Malady, 2:05:41; Tara Kennedy, 2:06:18; Bethany Sauers, 2:06:20; Dusty Nolan, 2:08:12; Sally Sherman, 2:08:14; Laurie Searles, 2:08:14; Melissa Kramer, 2:08:26; Michelle Pekich, 2:09:08; Rachel Rutkowski, 2:09:11; Edward Elinski, 2:09:22; Anja Brant, 2:09:31; Deborah Jackson, 2:10:10; Mary Sue Wilczynski, 2:10:10; Sharon McSwaney, 2:12:01; Todd McSwaney, 2:12:02; Brian Droz, 2:12:14; Brian Shuttleworth, 2:14:02; Susan Landry, 2:14:32; Tom Collins, 2:17:25; Scott Dorn, 2:17:26; Renee Good, 2:19:16; Sean Pieszak, 2:21:12; Amy Yurocko, 2:21:21; Kate Stieg, 2:24:09; Erin Mazer, 2:38:48; Joan Avolio, 2:50:18; Jen Sandness, 2:58:26

Just a Short Run 8.1 Miles, March 30: Justin Taylor, 1st Overall M, 44:46; Michelle Wojner, 1st Overall W, 46:25; Holly Thomas, 3rd Overall W, 54:05; Ryan McCormick, 1st 20-24 M, 52:44; Mark Casteel, 1st 40-44 M, 55:59; Linsey Westerman, 2nd 30-34 W, 59:31; Greg Marburger, 1st 45-49 M, 1:00:07; Sean Armstrong, 1st 35-39 M, 1:00:07; Mitch Radella, 2nd 45-49 M, 1:01:24; Jen McKnabb, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:09:00; Mya Merhaut, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:14:19; Kevin Persch, 58:49; Josh Venderlic, 59:28; Matt Grossman, 1:04:23; Steve Cochran, 1:05:19; Steph Zezza, 1:05:50; Lacey Cochran, 1:06:08; Meghan Morris, 1:06:41; Chad Cranmer, 1:07:34; Mark Breedlove, 1:07:35; Mike Bruno, 1:09:17; Suzanne Currier, 1:09:18; Keith Quisenberry, 1:10:18; Kristan Casteel, 1:10:19; Christina Dugan, 1:11:35; Julia Strejcek, 1:11:52; Rhonda Merhaut, 1:12:08; Josh Shaffer, 1:12:33; Jim Houser, 1:13:45; Gina Weber, 1:13:47; Michael Labarre, 1:14:16; Jen Beachem, 1:15:58; Tracy Hartle, 1:16:36; Kelley Cugini, 1:16:46; James Reed, 1:17:21; Jeff Evans, 1:17:27; Bill Kane, 1:17:39; Jamie Pillar, 1:19:50; Maria Mager, 1:20:18; Madi Merhaut, 1:20:30; Paula Cercone, 1:21:09; Chelsea Cameron, 1:21:11; Randy Cameron, 1:21:12; Carl Heinlein, 1:22:18; Anne Zimmermann, 1:22:18; Lisa DiTullio, 1:22:44; Erica Laughlin, 1:23:07; Ned Bartley, 1:23:25; Jennifer Miller, 1:24:10; Pat Veltri, 1:25:29; Ashley Webber, 1:26:13; Barbara Ford, 1:26:33; Mindy Bish, 1:26:42; Cindy Lutz, 1:27:19; Jill Conley, 1:28:47; Kim Cranmer, 1:29:35; Dana Sabo, 1:30:41; Christine Bonovitz, 1:32:15; Amy Hoffman, 1:33:01; Jessica Herring, 1:33:20; Wendy Collins, 1:34:37; Matt Hagaman, 1:34:38; Amber Cable, 1:37:23; Beth Whitehouse, 1:41:35; Brad Berkstresser, 1:43:05;

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle