Runners from southwestern Ontario lacing up for the Boston Marathon

Runner Julie Adoranti gets ready for her first Boston Marathon in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor)

Southwestern Ontario will be well-represented at the upcoming Boston Marathon race on Monday.

It’s the 129th running of the iconic event. The race features 30,000 entrants, all who have to qualify to enter the marathon – including an elite group of the world’s best men and women long distance runners.

The race is 42.2 km (26.2 miles) in length.

Three of about a dozen runners from the community are headed to the race this weekend including Julie Adoranti (her first), Mike Aubin (his 8th and 5th in a row), and Richard Ditty – (his 13th).

For each, the race has significant personal meaning especially considering the months of training and conditioning to reach this level of competition.

“It’s just one of those things that you always want to do - you actually never think it’s going to happen because, you know, it’s a tough thing to get to,” said Adoranti.

“Luckily, I’ve been able to continue running for a long time. I’ve reached a certain age limit that not limit, but, an age where it’s a bit easier for me to make it in than, you know, would have been 20, 30 years ago.”

Mike Aubin is a veteran Boston Marathoner who resides in Belle River.

“I’ve been typically running 40 or 50 miles a week,” said Aubin.

“Squeeze in, a 5-K race, a few weeks ago - so I’m just going to go there and try and my run my best. If I could run a Boston PR (personal best), I’d be really happy and, you know, finish with a decent time.”

Richard Ditty’s first Boston Marathon race was in 2012, with now a dozen under his belt and counting on April 21.

“It’s nice to be a Canadian there,” said Ditty, “People recognize.”

“I’ll have a maple leaf on the back of my jersey - they cheer you on, so it’s a good feeling.”