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Unlocking second chances at the Boston Marathon®

April 23, 2018 / New England

Every year on the third Monday of April, onlookers fill the streets of Boston and cheer on the most competitive runners in the world as they embark on what is arguably the most grueling marathon course around: the Boston Marathon.

This year, as part of our partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, we were able to surprise 10 Uber driver-partners who just narrowly missed out on qualifying for the race with an invitation to run. Our local Uber Boston team welcomed the runners to the city by surprising them at the airport with banners and balloons, and though race day was bitterly cold and rainy, these driver-partner runners powered through the poor conditions (with a little help from our Uber cheering squad stationed at Mile 23).

Keep reading to meet some of the driver-partners who ran the Boston Marathon and find out what kept them motivated and running through the challenging race.

Boston Marathon, Uber welcome crew — *The Uber Boston team greets driver-partner runner Connor at the airport.*

Uber cheer squad, Mile 23 — *The Uber cheering squad at Mile 23.*

Meet the runners
Leslie 

Meet Leslie — a 10-time marathoner and college life director from Asheville, NC
Driving with Uber since: 2015

What went through your mind when we asked if you wanted to run in the Boston Marathon?

It was unbelievable! I felt like I had gotten the golden ticket from Willy Wonka.

What was the toughest part of the race for you?

Mile 24. I was 2 miles from the finish, the temperature was dropping, and I was still outside of Boston. I had to dig deep with my mantras and find a way to will myself through to the end. Once I saw the Boston sign, I cried a little and knew I would make it.

“I felt like I had gotten the golden ticket from Willy Wonka.”

How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?

I was so grateful. To my family, friends, and community that helped me run all these miles, get to this point, and see this dream become a reality. It was truly overwhelming.

Which running mantra is your favorite?

“The long run puts the tiger in the cat.” —Bill Squires

Which marathon are you running next?

Boston. 2019.

Dan

Boston Marathon, Marathon finisher

Meet Dan — a systems business analyst and Ironman from O’Fallon, IL
Driving with Uber since: 2015

What went through your mind when we asked if you wanted to run in the Boston Marathon?

I was wicked excited—I still can’t believe it was real!

What was the toughest part of the race for you?

Going up the second of the Newton Hills, around Mile 20. My muscles were so tight, and the cold was bone-deep. I knew my wife was waiting at Mile 22.4, so I told myself I had to make it at least that far. I also knew I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t finish. I just needed to push through … and I knew there was an Uber tent just past the finish line with some amazing people waiting for me with a sign.

“You can do anything for ‘insert-number-of’ miles.”

How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?

I was crying, and so excited that I had the chance to share the course with the best runners in the world.

It’s the home stretch of the marathon. Which song do you cue up to carry you over the finish line?

“The Final Countdown” by Europe.

Jeff

Boston Marathon, Marathon runner

Meet Jeff — a teacher from Portland, ME
Driving with Uber since: 2015

What was the toughest part of the race for you?

Staying warm before the race was a real struggle … and my shuttle to the start line got lost, so I had to walk 2 miles before the marathon even started. After that, my quads started hurting at Mile 15 and completely gave up on me around Mile 22.

How did you feel when you crossed the finish line?

Relieved it was over, and thankful that I had the chance to run.

It’s the home stretch of the marathon. Which song do you cue up to carry you over the finish line?

I didn’t need a song on that final straightaway with the roaring crowds!

“I didn’t need a song on that final straightaway with the roaring crowds.”

Describe the Boston Marathon in one word.

Relentless.

Do you have a running mantra?

“Make every day count.” I’m going to have to focus on that in training if I want to run a PR [personal record] in the fall.

Connor

Boston Marathon, marathon finisher

Meet Connor — a research assistant from Washington, DC
Driving with Uber since: 2018

What went through your mind when we asked if you wanted to run in the Boston Marathon?

At first, I was a bit skeptical because I thought it was too good to be true. Then I was nervous that I wouldn’t have enough time to train. But overall, I was very excited.

What was the toughest part of the race for you?

Late in the race, Miles 20-24 probably. It was easy to start feeling stressed and worried about making it through to the end. I just had to tell myself: “Be patient, and the miles will go by.”

“I like knowing I tried my best at something.”

It’s the home stretch of the marathon. Which song do you cue up to carry you over the finish line?

“DNA” by Kendrick Lamar.

Describe the Boston Marathon in one word.

Epic.

Which marathon are you running next?

I haven’t decided yet, but definitely somewhere warm!

Shannon

Boston Marathon, Marathon runner

Meet Shannon — a teacher from Sandy, UT
Driving with Uber since: 2016

What was the toughest part of the race for you?

There were many parts of the race that could be considered the toughest for me, because the weather was cold and miserable. I kept thinking about all the miles I had left to go.

Do you have a running mantra?

I usually tell myself, “You’ve got this. Pain is temporary!”

It’s the home stretch of the marathon. Which song do you cue up to carry you over the finish line?

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

“You’ve got this. Pain is temporary!”

Which marathon are you running next?

None. This is what I was shooting for, and I did it! Now I can go back to my favorites: half-marathons.

Marathon Monday was cold and rainy, but in true Bostonian spirit, the streets were packed, the race was run, and we were so happy to be a part of it all. Read more about our partnership with the Boston Marathon and the activities we hosted at our “Road to the Race” tent throughout the weekend here.