A Boston woman who was close to completing her own personal record during the Chicago Marathon placed her personal goals aside as she went out of her way to help others along the way — including a stray kitten on Sunday.
Sarah Bohan was one of the runners that made up Team Paws Chicago, one of the largest “no kill” animal welfare organizations in the country, a statement from the organization read. Bohan is also a social worker at Boston Children’s Hospital.
She made her way through the marathon with just five miles left before she hit her own new record. Then her “instincts took over” when she saw a small kitten along the path moving just before Mile 21, she said in the statement.
“I was running into the tunnel on the left side,” she said. “I noticed something white and fluffy scampering along on the sidewalk. The only way I saw it was because I was running on the side and not in the crowd.”
She lifted the kitten up and said it was “dirty, scared and skinny, and looked to be separated from its mother.” By the looks of it, she said she could tell it was a stray.
Gina Nigro, another “animal-loving runner,” as Team Paws described her, joined Bohan in helping the kitten. They walked, holding the cat, for about a mile before a Good Samaritan offered to take the kitten off of their hands.
The women continued to run, arm-in-arm, before helping a runner from Germany cross the finish line, the statement read. Bohan finished the marathon in three hours, 31 minutes and 11 seconds.
Sarah Bohan, third from right, helps a German runner reach the finish line with help from Gia Nigro. Courtesy of Team Paws Chicago.
What’s next? Team Paws said that Bohan entered to take part in the Boston Marathon in April, as well as the 2024 Chicago Marathon, “where she will work for that personal record once more.”
Bohan’s role with Team Paws also includes her own fundraiser to support the organization so it can provide vital medical care, food and shelter to thousands of homeless pets. So far, Bohan’s fundraiser has reached its goal of $1,750, but donations can still be made for those who visit her page here.
Sarah Bohan and Gia Nigro with their medals after reaching the end of the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. Courtesy of Team Paws Chicago.
