Humanity was alive and well at the Boston Marathon.
On Sunday, runners from all over the nation gathered in Boston for the Boston Marathon. The marathon has taken on a different meaning for many runners since the tragic events of the 2013 marathon. Runners are running for loved ones they lost, charitable causes, to mark something off their bucket list, competitively, and more.
However, there is one runner from this year’s marathon who has captured the hearts of social media users.
Mike Beeman, known as Runboston47 on social media, now Runboston48, completed his 48th consecutive Boston Marathon.
Boston.com reported that Beeman first ran the marathon in 1978, and although he has slowed down over the years, he has no intention of stopping. The former marketing teacher stays in marathon shape by being a member of the Quarter Century Club, where he’s been a longtime member.
Beeman says that the camaraderie is what keeps him coming back each year. After scrolling through social media this morning, I’ve never seen so much support from runners in a marathon. From helping people cross the finish line, runners stopping to give support to others, and officials holding people up so they can continue running, some of the acts of kindness I’ve seen on social media are some of the best examples of humanity.
Beeman says that in order to keep himself motivated to keep running, he often uses phrases like “slay the day” and “rep the steps.”
“Be patient, stay within yourself, don’t panic, and have fun. Embrace it, because very few people get to do this.”
Throughout his 48th race, Beeman was recording moments along the track, and it was clear that a fan favorite was captured in parts of his route. He hyped up fans and other runners, providing some comedic relief, such as ripping off his shirt mid-race.
@adriana.curtis13 highlight of MarMon was seeing @Runboston47 #bostonmarathon #bostoncollege #marathon ♬ ribs x for real this time mashup – Lorde Brasil
However, one viral video of Beeman that has left social media in a puddle was of him nearing the finish line, capturing fans cheering for him.
“I am finishing my 48th Boston Marathon! Listen to these people! Are you kidding me?! They are cheering for me! I’m gonna start crying in a second.”
I’m already crying watching this clip.
@bman363 Boston Marathon number 48 is completed. Thanks all my TikTok friends specially Wellesley and Boston College.#fyp #blessed #bostonmarathon #runtokcommunity #bostoncollege #wellsleycollege #faith #grateful ♬ original sound – Runboston48
Maybe it’s just me, but marathons make me so emotional. I have had quite a few friends who run them, and every time I chase them around the city to cheer them on, it’s not only an incredible experience to be there for friends, but you also get to see so many different walks of life running. It’s so moving to see all the runners cross the finish line after this long and challenging race.
Even though I don’t know Mike Beeman, I am sitting here getting choked up watching his story. To run 48 consecutive Boston Marathons is incredible.
I hope we see Beeman complete 50 consecutive marathons. Check out some of the comments left on his posts.
“So proud of you, Dad!!! Love you so much!”
“Slayed the day! You did it!”
“I’ve genuinely never been so happy for someone I do not know.”
“This man is running his 48th Boston marathon, has emotions AND uses TikTok flawlessly.”
“Not to be dramatic, but I’d die for you.”
“I was tracking you. And for the last mile, I was like I know he’s stopping and saying hi to everyone!!!”
“SLAYED THE DAY!!! REPPED THE STEPS!!!”
“I’ve never been happier for a stranger in my entire life.”
“I almost cried when I got the notification that you finished. So happy for you!”
“Happy 48!!!! You did wonderful! I’m so proud of you!”
“Proud is an understatement!”
“I followed you on the website for the whole marathon! You’re amazing!!”
“So happy for you wow I’m tearing up.”
