Anderson’s Passion for Track and Field Leads to Boston Marathon Role
ESPN’s SportsCenter anchor John Anderson is set to call this year’s Boston Marathon as part of the network’s coverage with WCVB. Anderson, an avid fan of track and field and marathons, has previously called the New York City Marathon for the network. But his role in this year’s Boston Marathon coverage may be his most important yet.
Anderson was vocal about his desire to cover the Boston Marathon when ESPN and WCVB secured the broadcast rights to the event. This year marks an important milestone, as it is the 10th anniversary of the tragic Marathon bombings that occurred in 2013. The world-record holder Eliud Kipchoge is also running his Boston debut this year.
WCVB Plans Comprehensive Coverage for Boston Marathon
WCVB will have exclusive local rights to broadcast coverage of the Boston Marathon this year, taking over from WBZ. The station has planned comprehensive coverage across the day, starting with their “EyeOpener” newscast at 4 a.m.
The program will primarily focus on remembrances and reflections on the 2013 Marathon during its early morning coverage before transitioning into focusing on the race itself later in the day. A special edition of “Chronicle” will air at 7:30 p.m.
Anchors Maria Stephanos and Ed Harding will guide viewers through an animated map, with sports anchor Duke Castiglione situated at the finish line alongside ESPN’s Sage Steele. Castiglione expressed particular interest in watching Kipchoge, who is seeking to set a course record in all six World Marathon Majors.
Raymond Reavis Qualifies for First Boston Marathon
While many elite runners will be vying for excellence at this year’s Boston Marathon, others, like Raymond Reavis, are running to achieve a personal goal.
Reavis does not have extensive marathon experience but focuses on fitness and wellness in his daily life. The Boston Marathon is considered a mark of achievement and has strict qualifying times, which Reavis accomplished on his first attempt at the 2022 Tallahassee Marathon. He ran the 26.2mile course in 3 hours, 7 minutes, and 10 seconds – nearly three minutes under the 3:10 qualifying time.
Although he has read stories about the Boston Marathon to prepare, Reavis hasn’t spoken to anyone who has competed in the race. However, he will make his first trip to Boston a family affair, with his wife and children as spectators. Despite not being a lifelong runner, Reavis is competitive and has entered local and regional triathlons, half-marathons, and other races.
Tallahassee Will Be Well-Represented at Boston Marathon
Reavis will not be the only participant from Tallahassee at this year’s Boston Marathon. Several others from the area are also competing in the event, including Katie Doe and Armando Rodriguez.
Doe has been running for just over two years and qualified for the Boston Marathon in her second-ever full marathon. She is excited to be part of such an iconic event and looks forward to seeing how she stacks up against other runners.
Rodriguez is no stranger to marathons, having completed over 15 before qualifying for the Boston Marathon. His training regimen includes weekly speed work and long runs in preparation for race day.
The 2023 Boston Marathon promises to be an exciting event for both seasoned athletes and first-time qualifiers like Reavis. Anderson’s passion for track and field combined with WCVB’s comprehensive coverage will surely provide an excellent platform for showcasing this year’s highly anticipated race.
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