Boston Marathon Runner Completes 30th Marathon in a Row after Quadriceps Tendon Surgery

Just two months before the Boston Marathon, Marc received devastating news. 

During a harmless game of basketball, Marc felt a pop above his kneecap as he came down on his leg, with immediate swelling and pain in his thigh.  

He was found to have a quadriceps tendon tear, also called a quadriceps tendon rupture, and it would require surgery. 

For most runners, that diagnosis alone would be difficult. But for Marc, the injury threatened something even more significant — his 30th consecutive Boston Marathon. 

This year’s race was especially meaningful. Not only would it mark three decades of participating in one of the world’s most iconic races, but Marc was also planning to complete the event alongside his daughter as she ran her first Boston Marathon. 

After the injury, there was a real possibility none of that would happen. 

Marc was seen urgently in clinic by Dr. Christopher Worgul, an orthopedic surgeon at Emerson Health, who immediately identified the problem and ordered an MRI, which showed a high-grade tear of the quadriceps tendon.

“When Marc told me this year was going to be his 30^th consecutive marathon and the first time running it with his daughter, I could tell how much it meant to him and his family. He was devastated at the thought of not being able to participate in the marathon,” says Dr. Worgul.  

Soon after the diagnosis, Dr. Worgul mobilized his surgical team at Emerson Hospital and was able to reconstruct his quadriceps tendon, reattaching it to Marc’s kneecap.  

“I knew that with a high-quality repair and the appropriate rehabilitation, there was a chance of Marc safely and effectively mobilizing his soft tissues again and at least have him walking without a brace around the time of the marathon,” says Dr. Worgul. 

A Recovery Fueled by Determination 

Running the marathon was no longer an option for Marc this year. But with surgery, rehabilitation, and months of hard work, he was eventually cleared to walk the course. 

And that is exactly what he did. 

On Marathon Monday, Marc was able to participate in the Boston Marathon, and walked all 26.2 miles, finishing with minutes to spare to officially continue his remarkable 30-year streak. 

After the race, he sent Dr. Worgul a message to thank him for his care and for giving him a chance to participate in this year’s marathon. More importantly, he shared how special it was to share this moment with his daughter.   

“Stories like Marc’s are what makes our profession so satisfying,” says Dr. Worgul. “It’s not about just repairing a torn tendon. It’s about helping people return to the moments and milestones that are important to them.”

Common Symptoms of a Quad Tendon Tear 

• Sudden pain above the kneecap  

• Difficulty walking  

• Swelling  

• Weakness in the leg  

• Trouble straightening the knee  

• A popping sensation at the time of injury  

Quad tendon tears can make everyday movement difficult and often require surgery followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy. 

What Is a Quad Tendon Tear? 

The quadriceps tendon connects the large muscles at the front of the thigh to the kneecap. A tear can make it difficult or impossible to straighten the knee, walk normally, or bear weight. 

Quad tendon injuries often happen suddenly and may be caused by: 

• Falls  

• Sudden twisting movements  

• Sports injuries  

• Missteps during activity  

• Degeneration over time  

Many complete tears require surgery followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy. 

Orthopedic Care That Helps Patients Return to What They Love 

At Emerson Health, orthopedic care goes beyond treating injuries. Our orthopedic and sports medicine teams help patients recover so they can return to the activities, traditions, sports, and everyday moments that matter most to them. 

Whether someone is training for a marathon, recovering from a sports injury, or trying to get back to daily life without pain, our team provides personalized care close to home. 

Services include: 

• Sports medicine  

• Orthopedic surgery  

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation  

• Joint care  

• Injury evaluation and treatment  

Expert Orthopedic Care Close to Home 

Emerson Health’s orthopedic specialists provide advanced care for sports injuries, joint conditions, tendon injuries, fractures, and more. 

From diagnosis through recovery, our team works closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan designed to help them heal safely and regain mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Injuries