EPISODE · Apr 13, 2026 · 12 MIN
Boston Marathon Streak: 14 Years, One DFW Runner, and the 2013 Bombing | Carrie Varner
from DFW Running Talk · host Chris Detzel
Carrie Varner didn't even know what a BQ was when she ran one by accident in Las Vegas. A phone call from a friend that night changed everything — and sent her on a journey that now spans 13 consecutive Boston Marathons, with number 14 just weeks away.But her story isn't just about streaks and finish lines. Carrie's first Boston was 2013 — the bombing year. She crossed the finish line six minutes before the explosions. In this episode, she opens up about what it felt like to be there that day, why it made her more determined than ever to come back, and how that single race shaped everything that followed.At 66, she's still chasing sub-4. She still qualifies at Boston almost every year. And she's already signed up for 2027 to chase number 15.We talk about the Rockwall Running Club community that's grown around her Boston streak, the Boston Buddies run club, pre-race church services and blessings of the athletes, the Unicorn Club experience, and her number one piece of advice for first-timers: respect those first downhill miles — they will come back to haunt you.If you've ever dreamed of Boston, or you're already in the middle of your own streak, this one's for you.🎙️ Part of the Road to Boylston series — DFW runners chasing the 2026 Boston Marathon 📬 Newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com 🏅 Code DFW saves 10% at the Panther City Ultra — May 16, Marion Sanso Park, Fort Worth, TX — presented by Rise Racing Co. https://www.riseracingco.com/panther-city-ultra boston marathon | marathon running | running podcast | DFW running | boston qualifier | running streak | marathon motivation
What this episode covers
Carrie Varner didn't even know what a BQ was when she ran one by accident in Las Vegas. A phone call from a friend that night changed everything — and sent her on a journey that now spans 13 consecutive Boston Marathons, with number 14 just weeks away.But her story isn't just about streaks and finish lines. Carrie's first Boston was 2013 — the bombing year. She crossed the finish line six minutes before the explosions. In this episode, she opens up about what it felt like to be there that day, why it made her more determined than ever to come back, and how that single race shaped everything that followed.At 66, she's still chasing sub-4. She still qualifies at Boston almost every year. And she's already signed up for 2027 to chase number 15.We talk about the Rockwall Running Club community that's grown around her Boston streak, the Boston Buddies run club, pre-race church services and blessings of the athletes, the Unicorn Club experience, and her number one piece of advice for first-timers: respect those first downhill miles — they will come back to haunt you.If you've ever dreamed of Boston, or you're already in the middle of your own streak, this one's for you.🎙️ Part of the Road to Boylston series — DFW runners chasing the 2026 Boston Marathon 📬 Newsletter: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com 🏅 Code DFW saves 10% at the Panther City Ultra — May 16, Marion Sanso Park, Fort Worth, TX — presented by Rise Racing Co. https://www.riseracingco.com/panther-city-ultra boston marathon | marathon running | running podcast | DFW running | boston qualifier | running streak | marathon motivation
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Boston Marathon Streak: 14 Years, One DFW Runner, and the 2013 Bombing | Carrie Varner
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