Athletes Conquer Boston Marathon

Four Special Olympics Florida athletes recently took part in the Boston Marathon, joining almost 30,000 other runners in one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Andrew Ahearn of Pasco County, Robert Norris of Seminole County, Zachary Stambaugh of Indian River County, and Shawn Rheaume, of Sumter County, took on and completed a course rich in history and famous for its iconic Heartbreak Hill.

Andrew and Shawn – who served as a guide runner – finished the course in 5:01:40. Zachary clocked in at 5:50:42, and Robert completed the course in 6:10:58.

Adelle Ahearn, Andrew’s mom, said the race was “purely magical.” She said the “encouragement and respect our athletes received was wonderful.”

Three of the athletes who ran in this year’s race share something other than a talent for long-distance running: Zachary, Andrew, and Robert are all employees of Publix, one of Special Olympics Florida’s oldest and strongest corporate partners.

In recent years, a growing number of Special Olympics Florida athletes have competed in some of the world’s best known – and grueling – races. They’ve completed half and full IRONMAN events and run in the Boston, New York, and London marathons. Every day, they show the world that people with intellectual disabilities will accomplish remarkable things if they are just given the opportunity.

Way to go Andrew, Robert, Zachary and Shawn!