Coast Runner Gear Up For Boston Marathon

One of the top marathons in the world is set for today and avid runners everywhere are lacing up their sneakers.

27 people from Mississippi including 5 from the coast are registered for this year’s Boston Marathon. Take a look.

With 63 marathons under his belt, Leonard Vergunst is an avid runner from ocean springs.

Warming up for his tenth year of the Boston Marathon set for Monday.

Leonard Vergunst – Boston Marathoner told News 25, “Pretty much lately I’ve been going every year and it’s my favorite race and I just keep going back.”

And as he steps to the starting line, he’ll have a whole lot more than keeping a good pace on his mind as he remembers the 2013 bombings that injured hundreds and claimed 3 lives. Leonard had completed the race about one hour after the explosives went off.

Leonard Vergunst, Boston Marathoner told News 25, “I heard the sirens and all the commotion in the city turning the TV on, I watched it on TV just like everybody else from the hotel room… Just like why? And you didn’t know if more were going to go off and the phone service, I couldn’t get a word out so it was scary.”

“While the memory of the 2013 bombings will never fade, Leonard says the spirit of Boston is still alive and it’s what keeps him returning time and time again.”

Leonard Vergunst – Boston Marathoner told News 25,” The whole city just is so supportive and encouraging I mean I’ve run a lot of the major marathons around the country and the support that you get in Boston from the people there is stronger than anywhere.”

This year he’s headed to Boston with four friends from the coast, also runners. Excited to experience their first ever Boston Marathon.

Leonard Vergunst – Boston Marathoner told News 25, “I can’t wait to see their face after they finish. They are going to be walking around with wide eyes and it’s going to be an experience because you know, they’ve run marathons before but they have no idea what they’re going to experience.”

The 26.2 mile course is an experience he says, is like no other.

Leonard Vergunst – Boston Marathoner told News 25, “I always get Goosebumps, that last mile, people are yelling because no matter how tired I am, with all the support, I find a way to finish strong.”