Contributed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts US Legal Department, Ms Natalia Barrionuevo Crawford.
The Boston Marathon is one of the world's oldest annual marathons, established in 1837, and ranks as one of the most prestigious road racing events globally. There is an average of 30,000 participants each year, and runners need to meet a certain qualifying standard before being able to participate.
2018 was my ninth Boston Marathon in a row, and it was when us runners experienced the second hardest weather conditions presented on this historic course. It was held in April and we were faced with freezing rain, 30mph winds, and the risk of hypothermia.
But despite the harsh conditions, strong athletes prevailed. Desiree Linden became the first American woman to win the Marathon since 1985, and it was a memorable challenge for myself and my fellow runners. Its an experience of a lifetime. A strong reminder of what it takes to be a marathoner. Those 26.2 miles makes you push your limits, dig deep, and race against yourself to finish a stronger athlete, and hopefully a better person and well-rounded professional.
I completed the race in 3 hours and 20 minutes, and placed 894th out of 11,604 women, and 65th out of 1,767 in the age group division. I hope my story inspires others to fight their own race!
