Rockmart teacher Jo Ann Fort recently ran in the world-renowned Boston Marathon that was held on April 16.

“The Boston Marathon is an annual event hosted by Boston and the surrounding communities,” Fort stated. “It is the world’s oldest marathon and is considered by many runners as the most prestigious road racing event.”

Fort noted that the marathon usually has 27,000 entrants who must run a qualifying time at a certified course marathon. Qualifying times are determined by the runner’s age.

“My experience running the Boston Marathon was a wonderful opportunity,” Fort stated. “Twenty-three thousand runners ran in less than ideal conditions with temperatures in the high 80’s. Many local spectators responded to the needs of the runners by offering water sprays, ice, oranges, and popsicles. The entire course was filled with people standing on the sides, cheering on the runners.”

Fort finished the Boston Marathon in four hours and 30 minutes, which she noted was a personal worse.

“I hope to return and run Boston again,” Fort stated. “I have qualified to run it again next year, but my time may not be fast enough to meet the registration cut off.”

Fort, a seventh-grade math teacher at Rockmart Middle School, lives in Gadsden, Ala. She is married with two daughters, and has taught in Rockmart for 25 years.

She is planning to run the New York Marathon in November.