'Insane willpower': Internet lauds Patrick Clancy as he runs Boston Marathon honoring his slain children

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: In a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale, Patrick Clancy, a 33-year-old father from Massachusetts, completed the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, just over a year after his three young children – Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 7 months – were tragically killed.

Clancy's wife, Lindsay, allegedly strangled their children in a fit of postpartum depression before attempting suicide. Clancy ran the marathon in under four hours, raising about $77,062 for Boston Children's Hospital in honor of his late children, as per the New York Post.

Patrick Clancy's Boston Marathon run was tribute to his children's memories

Clancy's marathon run was a heartfelt tribute to his children's memories. He wore a bright blue and orange colored Miles for Miracles jersey with the words, "In memory of Cora, Dawson & Callan. Every mile, every day," handwritten on the back.

Throughout the marathon, Clancy proudly displayed symbols of his children's presence: a tiny blue bow belonging to Cora, a "Happy Callan" bracelet, and another representing Dawson.

"I love my kids, they’re wonderful people. Everybody loved them. They had short lives – but they had good lives," Clancy tearfully expressed to WCVB after completing the marathon.

For Clancy, training for the marathon became a therapeutic process, providing purpose and motivation in the aftermath of the tragedy. "They were my motivation. It was therapeutic. It was purpose. I knew we could make a big difference and we did, so it was good," he explained.

Patrick Clancy's wife Lindsay pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder

Clancy raised more money than he aimed for, gathering $77,062 for the hospital as part of their Miles for Miracle team, surpassing his $65,000 goal. He also expressed forgiveness towards his wife, Lindsay, who he believes was struggling with mental health issues at the time of the tragedy.

Clancy had previously mentioned concerns about his wife's medication to friends. Lindsay has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and is now receiving mental health treatment at Tewksbury State Hospital.

Internet rallies behind Patrick Clancy in wake of his Boston Marathon effort

Upon hearing the news about Clancy's Boston Marathon effort, the internet quickly rallied behind him, expressing admiration and support for his journey.

One X user remarked, "What a valiant man. I wish him nothing but blessings in everything that he does— what a tough event to overcome. Then to run in a marathon to raise money for the hospital that helped them? Outstanding overall."

Another user reflected, "It's incredibly brave and heartwarming. But could this also be a way for him to cope with unimaginable grief?" A third user's emotional response was evident in their comment: "Man, his story gave me tears ... there's not many that would handle this like he did, what a wonderful person!"

Another user emphasized Clancy's resilience, stating, "Wow, what a man! To be dealt such a crappy hand and yet make something wonderful out of it is truly amazing. Lesser men would have crumbled."

A fifth user simply remarked, "Insane. This man is strong," while a sixth user acknowledged the nature of Clancy's journey, saying, "Heartbreaking. To be able to run the marathon after this shows incredible fortitude."

A seventh user commented, "What a heartbreaking story. Clancy's strength and determination is inspiring." Finally, an eighth user expressed their awe, stating, "Can’t even imagine. That’s insane willpower. Respect to that man."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.