PIKETON — A local runner is preparing to compete in the Boston Marathon on April 21.
Josh Joosse, a Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth employee, qualified for the race by running a marathon in Eugene, Oregon, last April, according to an announcement from Fluor-BWXT. Joosse's best time was 2 hours and 51 minutes.
Joosse comes from a family of runners. He is the oldest of 10 siblings, and they participate in the 5K Turkey Trot in Chillicothe every Thanksgiving.
“I could have entered the marathon by registering with a charity, but I’m a little competitive, so I wanted to earn my way by qualifying,” Joosse said. “When I set my mind on something like that, I want to push myself.”
The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which includes portions nicknamed “Heartbreak Hill” and the “Haunted Mile.” The race starts in Hopkinton and ends in Boston, passing through seven towns along the way. It attracts about 30,000 registered participants and 500,000 spectators from around the world.
Joosse's goal is to finish the marathon in less than three hours. Although he won't be running with anyone he knows, some of his family will be there to support him.
“It’s a little tougher than the other marathons I’ve done because it’s not flat,” Joosse said. “My sister Emily ran the Boston Marathon in 2022. She was who I looked up to for running inspiration.”
To qualify for the Boston Marathon, athletes must run at least 6 minutes and 51 seconds faster than their respective category. The Boston Marathon, established in 1897, is the oldest annual marathon and one of the world’s most prestigious 26.2-mile road races.
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This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local runner Josh Joosse aims for sub-3-hour finish at Boston Marathon
