Marathon Brings Old Champions, New Hopes

BOSTON — Runners from all over the world are flocking into town for Monday’s 113th Boston Marathon.

Among the runners is four time champion Bill Rodgers, who is in the race for the first time in a decade.

Rodgers had prostate cancer surgery last year and says he doesn’t plan to quit the sport.

“But I’ve run so many hard marathons in my life, that spirit is gone competitively,” says Rodgers. “But to be on the course to be part of the Boston marathon is something else. That’s something.”

WBUR’s Alex Ashlock spoke with Bart Yasso of Runner’s World Magazine about the enduring appeal of the Boston marathon and what he thinks about this year’s race.

Bart Yasso writes for Runner’s World Magazine. His book, “My life on the Run,” comes out in paperback in May.