The 114th Boston Marathon took place on Monday, 19 April with nine RCSI students competing in this prestigious road race which succeeds in attracting an average of 26,000 runners annually. Despite flight restrictions from volcanic ash, this year was no exception.

Participation of RCSI in this event is made possible by Dr John V. Coyle (Class of ‘62) a serving member of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). This year, the all male team included Rory Farnan (GEP), Sami Termanini (GEP), Tom McEnery (GEP), Tom Flahive (Pharmacy), Rory Connolly (Medicine), Jack Woods (GEP), Simon Clifford (Medicine), Christian Shetelig (GEP) and Abhilash Sahadevan (Class 2009). The RCSI team were far more fortunate than the Dublin Marathon team – over 50 of the group’s runners didn’t make it to Boston due to flight cancellations.

First to cross the finish line for RCSI was Simon Clifford (Medicine). For his efforts, Simon was presented with the John V. Coyle perpetual trophy.

The team attended the Mayor’s Reception held in the Fairmont Copley Hotel. Here, they met up with a host of well-known faces including Dr Ronan Tynan,  Boston Mayor Thomas M.Menino and several  previous Boston Marathon winners including Greg Meyer, the last US winner (’83).  There was great interest in the RCSI team with WBZ TV in Boston interviewing them as part of their marathon coverage.

Commenting on the tour, Corriena Brien, Student Services Manager, said: "It was a rollercoaster trip from beginning to end. Firstly, there was the uncertainty of getting to Boston with severe flight disruptions breaking out in the days up to departure. Little did we know we would face more pressing challenges in relation to getting home! However the team were true ambassadors for the college in the lead up to, during and indeed after the marathon.” 

Corriena praised the performance of the team, especially the Final Med students, who in the face of much uncertainty remained calm, collected and focused. Corriena continued, "All the team posted impressive finish times which are a testament to their commitment and ability to maintain high academic and sporting standards."

Corriena also went on to thank the many people who provided invaluable help and support in the face of a delayed homecoming including Dr John V. and Deirdre Coyle, Dr Graham Mc Mahon, Ms Deirdre Fallon of the Irish Consulate and Capt Tom Cunningham and his Aer Lingus crew.