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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Running a marathon is no small feat. In fact, it’s one that most people, even experienced runners, have a hard time fathoming. One of the most famous marathons in the country, the Boston Marathon is a celebration not only for runners but for the great Boston Community. This year, Greg Schwartz, of Medfield, is running his second Boston Marathon. His last marathon was finished in just over four hours. This year, he hoped to finish in under four.
Despite being told that Greg might not be able to accomplish the same things as other children, due to his intellectual disability, Greg has raised $11,640 for the Special Olympics.
In addition to an intellectual disability due to brain damage from birth, Greg also “has verbal dyspraxia, and then the other thing is he also has very, very limited vision in his left eye, so he has no depth perception,” his mother, Patti Schwartz explained. Despite these limitations, Greg has been involved with Special Olympics for years, playing a sport year-round, including soccer, flag football, basketball, track and field, and softball. “He did short distances, and he kept going longer. They started him at 400m, then he did 800m,” Patti explained. “Then one of the people who worked at the Special Olympics office came up and was like, ‘You’re Greg’s parents? He can run! He should do longer distances, because he’s not winded or anything after he’s done. So he did the 3,000m and he was doing that until three years ago … he now does the pentathlon.”
In 2014, Greg ran his first half-marathon in Kansas City. “My daughter was the one who suggested that he see what it was like, not knowing the crowds,” Patti said. “He did really well, and so that’s when Greg asked me to call Special Olympics because he wanted to run the Boston Marathon.” Since then, Greg has run a total two half marathons and two full marathons. This year’s Boston Marathon will be his third marathon total.
When asked how he felt about the upcoming race, he said, “Nervous and excited. It’s my second time.” His mother explained that this year he knows a little bit more what to expect, so he’s mostly excited. In addition, due to his lack of vision, Greg has the ability to run with guides. “They ran in 2015, so they were very excited to be able to run this year. They weren’t going to run this year, so they were so excited to be able to run with Greg, and they all have about the same pace.”
Recently Greg found out that he will inducted to the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of Game. “They said that he really represents what Special Olympics is all about. There was a woman who donated and her message was, ‘You bring so much enthusiasm to all of our training,’ so that’s what it is,” Patti explained. “If you’ve never been to a Special Olympics event, they cheer each other on, even if they’re on opposing teams. If they fall, they pick each other up. You do your best, but you’re kind to your opponent, also - that’s really their philosophy.”
“Boston is the best,” said Patti. “When he did the Kansas one, my daughter runs, and she said that they don’t cheer the same. It’s just not the same.”
After bringing so much enthusiasm and excitement to others involved in the Special Olympics, Greg Schwartz will be cheered on by friends, family, and all those he has inspired on his way into Boston.
