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Dr. Tony Miksa, Walter State Community College President, completed the famous Boston Marathon Monday.

“It took about 7 years and 11 marathons to qualify,” Miksa said “Thank you to everyone who encouraged me, especially Dalton and Delaney. Never give up on your dream.”

The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon race hosted by several cities and towns in greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts

It began in 1897, after the area was inspired by the success of the first marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has organized this event annually since 1897. 126 races later more than 30,000 athletes competed in the 127 race.

Although the race is very popular in the US, it features racers from more than 100 countries.

The course runs through 26 miles of winding roads through eight Massachusetts cities and towns

The Boston Marathon is open to runners 18 or older from any nation, but they must meet certain qualifying standards.

To qualify, a runner must first complete a standard marathon course certified by a national governing body affiliated with the World Athletics within a certain period of time before the day of the race.

Miksa explained the experience was everything he hoped for.

“My Boston Marathon experience was everything I expected it to be,” He said. “The race was next level, it was organized perfectly, the route was awesome, and the people along the way were amazing.”

Miksa explained how the crowd and support system helped him finish the race.

“Anytime I was feeling a little tired or slow the crowd was there to pump me up. You always want to go a little faster but just finishing was a great feeling.”

“I have to give a big shout out to my No. 1 supporter Deb Miksa. She was with me all the way,” he said