A 74-year-old man says he plans to run his 100th marathon in remembrance of the victims of the Boston bombing.
Retired school administrator Richard Wallen already has 99 marathon medals and plans to get the 100th at the next Boston marathon, reports ABC News. The Michigan resident said he will run the race slow to appreciate the event.
“Ordinarily I would go out there and just work my butt off and run as fast as I can- but not this time,” Wallen said. “I’m going to slap hands with the kids, I’m going to stop and take pictures along the way.”
This will be Wallen’s 15th time running the Boston Marathon and already qualifies to run in 2015.
“It’s always a thrill to beat people your age when you’re running,” Wallen said.
Alongside people like Wallen, the community plans to have a tribute even a few days before the marathon, according to Boston.com. The event will include remembering the individuals effected by the bombing and the community’s resilience.
The Boston Marathon will take plan on April 21st.