Bill Iffrig, Iconic Boston Marathon Bombing Runner, Passes Away at 89
Bill Iffrig, the resilient runner who became a symbol of strength and determination after being captured in an iconic photo during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. His son, Mark Iffrig, confirmed the news of his father’s death, stating that Bill Iffrig died at a memory care facility in Marysville, Wash.
A Life of Adventure and Achievement
Bill Iffrig, originally known for his passion for mountaineering and his role as chairman of a local climbing club, didn’t start running until the age of 42. Despite starting later in life, he went on to win numerous national championships in races of varying distances and participated in over 50 marathons, including multiple Boston Marathons. In fact, he achieved second place in his age group in the 2015 Boston Marathon.
A Fateful Day in Boston
However, it was the 2013 Boston Marathon that would forever etch Bill Iffrig’s name into the annals of history. On that tragic day when two homemade bombs detonated, causing widespread devastation and claiming lives, Bill Iffrig found himself only 60 feet away from the finish line. The blast knocked him to the ground, a moment captured by photographer John Tlumacki of The Boston Globe.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the chaos and confusion, Bill Iffrig’s determination shone through. In a 2015 interview with MSNBC, he recounted the moment of the explosion and his decision to continue the race. Assessing himself for injuries and finding none, he resolved to get back up and finish what he had started. His bright orange shirt, a symbol of his resilience, became recognized across the nation.
A Symbol of Strength
Bill Iffrig’s unwavering spirit made him a symbol of resilience in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing. His name even caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who mentioned him in a national address following the tragedy. President Obama, referring to Bill Iffrig as the “runner in the orange tank top,” expressed his belief that, like Bill, the nation would pick itself up in the face of adversity.
A Quiet Life and Lasting Legacy
Prior to the bombing, Bill Iffrig led a quiet life in Washington State. Born on June 13, 1934, in Everett, Wash., he worked as a carpenter for Weyerhaeuser for 20 years before becoming a brick mason for Scott Paper Company, where he worked for another two decades before retiring.
Bill Iffrig is survived by his son, Mark, and daughter, Susan Shephard, along with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Donna, to whom he was married for 69 years, passed away in November. Sadly, his other son, Curtis, died in a car crash at the age of 17 in 1979.
A Humble Champion
Despite his accomplishments in the world of racing, Bill Iffrig remained a humble and down-to-earth individual. According to his son, Mark, he never boasted about his victories or dwelled on his losses. He simply went about his business, always the same person, whether he won or lost.
Bill Iffrig’s passing marks the end of an era for the running community and serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found within the human spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
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