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Venezuelan man with muscular dystrophy finishes Boston Marathon after 20 hours

By Danielle Haynes

BOSTON, April 21 (UPI) -- More than 20 hours after he started, a Venezuelan man completed the Boston Marathon on Tuesday in what was perhaps the most impressive finish at this year's event.

Maickel Melamed, 39, has muscular dystrophy so walking can be painful for him, even when the 26.2 miles of a marathon aren't taken into consideration.

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He completed the marathon around 5 a.m. Tuesday surrounded by his supporters from Vamos, a Caracas-based organization helping youths.

"Walking with him is really about bringing that rhythm into your own self, and what are you going to do with it. What are you going to do with that prayer of peace that you carry inside of yourself?" asked his friend, Natalie Howard, who accompanied him along the race route.

Melamed has completed other marathons in his training for this event, but racing in Boston has a special meaning for him. His parents brought him to the city as a baby for medical treatment for his muscular dystrophy.

"It was real tough," Melamed said. "Especially around mile 24. But my physical trainers came up with an amazing way to keep going. I'd rest 10 seconds, then (take) four to six steps. It was a real exciting way to finish.

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"The message here is that love is so much stronger than death," he said. "It was an honor to the run the streets of this city."

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh honored Melamed's accomplishment with a special ceremony at city hall.

"His story is truly one of inspiration," Walsh said, presenting Melamud with a medal.

"After 20 hours of rain, wind and cold, Boston is still strong," Melamed said after he finished the race. "The whole city has been so helpful and so loving."

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