Local Missouri Man Completes Boston Marathon in Father's Honor
When Paul Rosell, a 46-year-old from St. Charles, Missouri, crosses the finish line at this year's Boston Marathon, he'll be doing so for more than just personal glory - his late father will also be by his side.
Rosell has been training for months to earn his coveted Six Star medal, an honor bestowed upon runners who complete a certain number of marathons. But what drives him to push through the grueling 26.2 miles is not just about achieving a personal goal; it's about honoring his father's memory and legacy.
Rosell's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2016, and sadly passed away two years later. The former avid runner had been a source of inspiration for Paul, encouraging him to lace up his own running shoes when he was just old enough.
As Paul reflects on his training, he shares a poignant story about how his father would often pretend to be running the marathon with him during their early days together. Despite his illness, Paul's father remained mentally and physically active until the end.
In 2024, Rosell made one final trip to Boston with his mother after learning that his father was slipping into dementia due to Parkinson's disease. He later returned home to care for his ailing parent before receiving devastating news: he had just two days left.
With only hours to go before his passing, Paul rushed back home to be by his father's side as he took his final breaths. This act of devotion would become the driving force behind Rosell's Boston Marathon journey.
Each year since then, Paul has carried a small airplane with ashes inside it to commemorate his late father and continue their running legacy together.
For those who follow in Rosell's footsteps at this year's marathon, here are a few words from Paul himself: "I carry that little airplane with his ashes. So he is still sharing these accomplishments with me."
When Paul Rosell, a 46-year-old from St. Charles, Missouri, crosses the finish line at this year's Boston Marathon, he'll be doing so for more than just personal glory - his late father will also be by his side.
Rosell has been training for months to earn his coveted Six Star medal, an honor bestowed upon runners who complete a certain number of marathons. But what drives him to push through the grueling 26.2 miles is not just about achieving a personal goal; it's about honoring his father's memory and legacy.
Rosell's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2016, and sadly passed away two years later. The former avid runner had been a source of inspiration for Paul, encouraging him to lace up his own running shoes when he was just old enough.
As Paul reflects on his training, he shares a poignant story about how his father would often pretend to be running the marathon with him during their early days together. Despite his illness, Paul's father remained mentally and physically active until the end.
In 2024, Rosell made one final trip to Boston with his mother after learning that his father was slipping into dementia due to Parkinson's disease. He later returned home to care for his ailing parent before receiving devastating news: he had just two days left.
With only hours to go before his passing, Paul rushed back home to be by his father's side as he took his final breaths. This act of devotion would become the driving force behind Rosell's Boston Marathon journey.
Each year since then, Paul has carried a small airplane with ashes inside it to commemorate his late father and continue their running legacy together.
For those who follow in Rosell's footsteps at this year's marathon, here are a few words from Paul himself: "I carry that little airplane with his ashes. So he is still sharing these accomplishments with me."
. I mean, sure, it's cute and all, but let's be real, Paul's probably gonna crush this marathon and feel like a total boss 
. The fact that he carries around an airplane with ashes in it just seems like a weird way to memorialize his dad 
. And what about when the adrenaline rush kicks in? Does he even think about his old man at all? I'm not trying to be mean, but let's see if Paul can actually pull off this emotional journey or is it just all theatrics for attention 
.
Ah man, I'm gettin' all the feels over here! It's so beautiful how Paul's training for the Boston Marathon isn't just about him crushing it but also about honoring his dad's memory and legacy. His story's like a huge tribute to their special bond and how he still keeps his dad close through this little airplane with ashes inside 
his story is so inspiring, i mean, the guy just wants to keep goin, even w/ his heart broke 
. its not 4 personal glory or fame, its 4 his dad's memory & legacy 
. and that airplane thing? 
️ genius move, keeps him connected 2 his pop. gotta respect paul's dedication & love 4 his dad 
... It's truly inspiring to see how his love for running was sparked by his dad, and now it's becoming a way for him to keep his memory close 
. Paul's dedication and perseverance are a testament to the strong bond between a parent and child 
, and I have no doubt he'll cross that finish line with pride 
!
Paul's story got me all choked up. I mean imagine having to finish the Boston Marathon for your pops, who's not even there physically but in spirit. I'm so proud of him for pushing through and honoring his dad's memory like that. And can we talk about how cool is it that he carries a small airplane with ashes? 
he's not just running for himself, but for his dad who was such a huge source of motivation & love in his life 
. It's truly inspiring to see how this man's journey in Boston Marathon is a testament to their unbreakable bond 
. This just goes to show that with perseverance, love, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible 
Paul Rosell is running 26.2 miles for his dad's memory, not carrying around a prop in the middle of a crowded marathon track 
. And what's with the 'little airplane' thing? Is that really necessary? 
paul rosell is literally running the boston marathon for his dad and it's just so beautiful 
... it's amazing how something as simple as running can be such an incredible way to keep someone's memory alive 
. anyway, Paul Rosell's story is so inspiring and I love how he carries his dad's ashes in an airplane figurine 
. It's so beautiful how he carried that small airplane with ashes from his father to commemorate their runs together