284: Boston Marathon More Than A Race For Matt Hensley

Todd Grasley



A plain white top with the number 284 written across his chest. For former Lincoln Park Academy and University of Florida runner Matt Hensley, his fourth Boston Marathon was about more than a race. After running 2:23 several times and a 20th place finish in 2012, Hensley was 24th out of thousands of runners who participated. He clocked a very impresive time of 2:19.51, but he says all that didn't matter.

"I am just so fortunate to be a part of a special event. It's been a long time coming but this whole race all I thought was about the 284 injured or killed at last years event and the events that followed. My jersey was plain white and had 284 sharpied on it. That's all I thought about the whole race and I fought for them from the gun in Hopkinton to Boston."

The race was a family affair for the second youngest of three boys. Matt's dad Bob  was a 2:16 marathoner and 4x qualifier, who ran at Oregon with Steve Prefontaine. Although, he trains in Boulder with Steve Jone's group, Hensley was able to share in the moment with his dad and brothers Mike, Bobby, and Jeff. He says his father taught him that consistency is key and you have to love it or it's not sustainable.

"A lot of us laid in on the line today; Meb, Hartmann and Hall. It paid off for some but I think it was special that they all showed up and went for it..Some even bonked but they gutted it out and finished it. I've been training with Hartmann here and there in Boulder and it was pretty emotional passing him today because I know how hard he works. I just have the utmost respect for that guy. It was an inspiration seeing him finish today. I am so happy to be a part of this event and race with my family today."

His consistency dates back to his high school days where he was a state qualifier in cross country and track.  Hensley then went onto run at the University of Florida where he ran for the Gators. It was there he met Jeremy Criscione and Enoch Nadler who have each had half marathon and marathon success in their own right. Hensley doesn't believe he has reached his full potential and says that is what keeps him going.

"Today was finally a breakthrough after four tough years. All the failures have kept me going. They fuel me.Anyone out there looking for the breakthrough, keep believing. Anything is possible if you stay healthy, positive and consistent. If you love to run, never give it up. Nothing great in this world happens being passive. Be aggressive and get after your dreams!"

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