4/18/2022

The Boston Marathon

Kristi Gunyula

Finish Time:  3:40:56

Overall Place:  13,266th Place / 24,822

Division Place:  764th Place / 1,635

Amy Stumpf

Finish Time: 3:55:55

Overall Place:  16,658th Place / 24,822

Division Place:  1,0093rd Place / 1,635

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  4:07:22

Overall Place:  18,441st Place / 24,822

Division Place:  3,449th Place / 4,717

Race Recap By Amy Stumpf:

So not the run I was hoping for as I went out too fast.  I had stomach issues that started around mile 15.  I was not able to keep fuel down which led to one of the hardest marathons I have ever run.  It was however by far the most memorable marathon I have ever ran.  . I FaceTimed my kids for that final 600 meters, and all 3 of them finished the Boston Marathon with me.  Seeing their faces, and sharing this moment with them was ALL the FEELS!

Race Recap By Christine Churpek:

My goal for the Boston Marathon was not to race it or PR or worry about my pace for even a second.  My goal was to have fun and take it all in!  I got my picture taken with Spencer the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon.  I petted and took pictures of a few more doggos along the course.  I Found and took a selfie with a co-worker’s daughter I’ve never met before.  I took my first shot of beer, angry orchard and a Jell-O shot during a race.  I found Papa at the finish line ready to hand me my metal! I traveled with some amazing friends, made new friends and #merlethesquirrel! This was 100 percent an experience I will never forget! I could not have imagined a better 1st Boston Marathon and I cannot wait to do it again next year!

Race Recap By Kristi Gunyula:

Well it’s been a couple weeks since taking my place at the start line at Boston and I am still massively proud of the WORK I put in to get there. I tackled two full training cycles back to back and ran 3 marathons in 6 months. I spent a year grinding out the miles just for a chance to line up amongst some of the most talented runners out there. I think of all the times in training I wanted to skip my workout, sleep in, or quit. I kept going, I kept fighting and I showed up. And honestly, I’ve enjoyed the heck out of it. We all have hard days. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about not giving up. It is work ethic and a decision to continue to fight. Sometimes we see pics/posts like this and it’s easy to think that it just takes natural talent, athleticism or a certain body type and look at how it comes together perfectly. It never does and it certainly doesn’t come easily (at least not for me). I have mad respect for each and every walker, jogger or runner out there who keeps showing up. Just by lacing up your shoes and getting out there, you are doing something amazing. I am also so thankful for all of you who have supported me from my family and friends to my amazing work crew and fabulous students. It’s really hard to quit when you have so many people tracking you.  Thank you for the motivation!