10/20/2024

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon

Columbus, Ohio

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  3:58:25

Overall Place:  1511th Place / 3583

Division Place:  417th Place / 1379

Renee Buckus

Finish Time:  5:35:36

Overall Place:  3317th Place / 3583

Division Place:  1225th Place / 1379

Race Recap By Christine Churpek:

I ran the Columbus Marathon this weekend which was my 11th marathon! The day started perfectly.  My training leading up to the race went great, I felt amazing at the start and was totally in the zone. Unfortunately, at mile 6.5, I took a hard spill, scraping my knees, elbow, and palms. I shook it off and kept a solid pace, but by mile 18, my left knee started to give out. I considered dropping out since my goal of 3:40 was slipping away.
But then I remembered I had two athletes running their first marathon out there. I had to finish! After some more walking, my knee started feeling better, so I went for it. I crossed the finish line in 3:58:25.  It was not the time I wanted, but I finished strong!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us. This weekend is one I’ll never forget. Now it’s time to get back to training and come back even stronger and faster!

Race Recap By Renee Buckus:

I’m not going to be one of those people that make running a marathon my whole personality (jk, I totally am) but this one isn’t about me, ok?! This is about my people – the ones that took time out of their weekend to come support us, surround us with good energy, run around a big, busy city to find us and cheer for us and give us the biggest hugs at the finish line. Geez. They showed up and our hearts were full. I had the biggest, full teeth smile on my face all day yesterday! “Thank you” surely isn’t enough but holy moly, we are SO thankful! I know I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did yesterday without these people. Having them there felt like I got to share my medal and dream come true with them. That’s exactly how I wanted it to feel, too! THANK YOU!!!!!