A Nashua, New Hampshire, Man Breaks World Record Marathon Time
Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.
26.2 miles of running is a feat very few people attempt. That's a race I don't think I will ever attempt.
But that challenge was nothing for Thomas Cantara of Nashua, New Hampshire. In fact it wasn't finishing the race that was a big deal to the 603 local, but rather the time it took to accomplish such a feat.
Over the weekend, Cantara completed the Chicago Marathon in 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 28 seconds, according to a WMUR article.
That time, which is faster than a six minute a mile pace, is officially the fastest marathon time by a special Olympian...ever.
The Nashua man has now completed 20 marathons, this of course being his fastest, according to WMUR.
Although Cantara hit a physical and mental low at mile 21, Cantara told himself "I’m almost there, this is a walk in the park, stick to a comfortable pace the rest of the way if I have to,” according to WMUR.
As for what's next, now that he is a world record recipient? More running, apparently.
Cantara will be running the Boston Marathon next, and has a plan to finish even faster. "Just always try to make what I have and make it better every race,” Cantara said to WMUR.
Thomas Cantara reflects back on his enormous accomplishment and world record by saying, “The fact that I came further than I thought I could do is just so much, and marathon has given me a new look on life in a way, and I want others that think they want to try marathon to see it from my point of view, and accomplish more then they think they can imagine," according to WMUR.