The 118th Boston Marathon took place last week with nine RCSI students and two graduates competing in this most prestigious road race.

Boston is the oldest marathon and this year's field comprised of over 32,000 runners. RCSI's participation in the event is facilitated by Dr John V. Coyle (RCSI Class of ‘62) a serving member of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and recipient of the 2002 RCSI Distinguished Graduates Award.

The 2014 team included Ranjit Banwait, Ailbhe O'Driscoll Collins, Sarah Dinneen, Kailyn Kwong Hing, Pavan Paka, Bakr Jundi, Diarmuid O'Brien, Suzanne McDonnell and Cassie Mac Rae. In addition to the nine current students, and also flying the flag for RCSI, were graduates Dr Paul Maguire (class of 1983) and his daughter, Dr Sinead Maguire (class of 2012).

First to cross the finish line for team RCSI was Ranjit Banwait, with an impressive finish time of 2.58. He was closely followed by Diarmuid O'Brien with an equally impressive time of 3.05. First home for the ladies team was Cassie MacRae at 3.51, followed shortly by Kailyn Kwong Hing at 3.56.

The race started out with a moment of silence in recognition of those who lost their lives in last year's bombings. The desire to reclaim this beloved race was clearly evident and in support of this the city adopted the slogan ‘Boston Strong'.

From the race organisers (The Boston Athletic Association) to the 3,000 plus members of police force, some 10,000 volunteers and an estimated spectators crowd of close to 1 million people, all hands were on deck to deliver one of the most uplifting and energetic of races. The elite runners were also in top form with Rita Jeptoo from Kenya taking home the coveted women's first place. She also set a course record of 2.18. The elite results were made even sweeter when Meb Keflezighi, a 39-year-old from Eritrea, became the first American to win a marathon since 1983. He crossed the finish line in 2.08.

Commenting on the tour and the race itself, Corriena Brien, Student Services Manager said: “Having been at the finish line last year, I really didn't know what to expect this time around. It was a bitter sweet feeling returning this year. However, once we arrived in Boston, any concerns quickly dissipated. The city was electric, with an air of unity, drive and enthusiasm that far exceeded anything we ever experienced before. Race Day was an enormous success and an exceptional experience. Congratulations to the BAA, the volunteers and the people of Boston, you certainly delivered on your promise - Boston Strong.”

She went on to also commend the RCSI runners and offered a special word of thanks to Dr Paul Maguire and his daughter Dr Sinead Maguire. Adding, “We were delighted that Paul and Sinead could run with us this year. It was a first for RCSI having father and daughter graduates run the miles. Let's hope they will inspire other family graduates to run with us in future years. Congratulations team Maguire.”