The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Standing at the starting line, amidst thousands of the world's top runners, one can only think of the many miles that have led to this single race.

Steeped in tradition, the Boston Marathon ranks among the most prestigious road-racing events on earth. Seasoned runners aspire to run a fast enough “qualifying time” to even be able to toe the starting line here.

Annie Strange, a mother of three boys, from Naselle achieved this grandiose goal last week.

“I am grateful to have had the chance to experience it,” Strange said of the running of the 116th Boston Marathon, “I have wanted to do that for a long time.”

Nearly 22,500 participants braved 80 degree temperatures for the 26.2 mile race. Organizers stocked extra water and pleaded with runners to slow their pace to avoid heat stroke. Thousands of participants received some level of medical attention, and about 120 were taken to hospitals in ambulances. Some 4,300 registered participants opted to sit out and not compete at all.

Annie, however, powered on.

“The run was hot, but the people and the day itself were amazing!” said Strange.

Annie’s husband, Cody, mother Lori Scott and six close friends joined the famously loud Boston crowd to cheer her on. Friends said that Annie looked strong at the 20-mile mark receiving high-fives, applause, and splashing water.

Strange, 35, placed 12,588th (4,444th among women) in 4:20.59.

“To the late Mark Linquist, three time Boston marathoner, you have always been my inspiration,” Strange said.

Linquist, former Wahkiakum County commissioner and life-long county resident, logged many miles running local streets and roads in preparation for the grueling race requiring peak physical condition.

“I would guess that Mark was looking down at Annie with a smile on Monday,” his wife Bonnie expressed, “He would have been honored to know that he played even a small part in Annie’s accomplishment. He watched her grow from second grade on and would have been so proud.”