If you would like to share your personal story or thoughts, pass it on and we will add it below. Your story may serve as inspiration to someone else!
The expression of joy on Ryan Lumbard’s face after the Grand Rapids Marathon said it all and served as a beautiful reminder as to ultimate reward for all of us who organize training programs. Energy permeated the air both before and after the event which drew over 1500 marathoners and 892 half marathoners. The day revealed itself as the antithesis of the Chicago Marathon 3 weeks earlier, and the tales of accomplishment were varied and innumerable.
Ryan Lumbard, Peter Fernando, Tim Sochor, Wendy Geerligs, Cathy Baldwin (we think) Sherri Watts and David Thierjung were among many who finished their very first marathon. Steve Downard, Jeff Datillo, Frank Hui and Erin Kucera found redemption after Chicago. Pat Johnson, at the age of 66 (you don’t mind Pat, do you?) set a huge PR of 3:42 and won his age division. What an inspiration. Giti Henrie entered the Safari training program not even sure if she would be able to complete a fall marathon, and qualified for Boston for the first time with an amazing 3:39 finish. It wasn’t my day as that little thing called life finally caught up with me along with an old injury, and knocked me out of the running at mile 20. Despite my personal disappointment, it was priceless being there to witness the many achievements of the day, and to see so many of our jungle friends out on the course cheering each other on.
Runners and jungle strays from the Safari were spread throughout the course. Please let us know if you are part of the Safari program and we missed you in the results!
Full Marathon
Cathy Baldwin 5:57:28
The expression of joy on Ryan Lumbard’s face after the Grand Rapids Marathon said it all and served as a beautiful reminder as to ultimate reward for all of us who organize training programs. Energy permeated the air both before and after the event which drew over 1500 marathoners and 892 half marathoners. The day revealed itself as the antithesis of the Chicago Marathon 3 weeks earlier, and the tales of accomplishment were varied and innumerable.
Ryan Lumbard, Peter Fernando, Tim Sochor, Wendy Geerligs, Cathy Baldwin (we think) Sherri Watts and David Thierjung were among many who finished their very first marathon. Steve Downard, Jeff Datillo, Frank Hui and Erin Kucera found redemption after Chicago. Pat Johnson, at the age of 66 (you don’t mind Pat, do you?) set a huge PR of 3:42 and won his age division. What an inspiration. Giti Henrie entered the Safari training program not even sure if she would be able to complete a fall marathon, and qualified for Boston for the first time with an amazing 3:39 finish. It wasn’t my day as that little thing called life finally caught up with me along with an old injury, and knocked me out of the running at mile 20. Despite my personal disappointment, it was priceless being there to witness the many achievements of the day, and to see so many of our jungle friends out on the course cheering each other on.
Runners and jungle strays from the Safari were spread throughout the course. Please let us know if you are part of the Safari program and we missed you in the results!
Full Marathon
Cathy Baldwin 5:57:28
Francine Bangs 4:37:46
Jennifer Barnhard 3:43:54
Pam Boner 4:29:38
Tim Bredahl 3:48:18
Pam Boner 4:29:38
Tim Bredahl 3:48:18
Jeff Cavanaugh 3:38:16
Lisa Cavanaugh 4:08:20
Susan Celestini 4:02:22
Cynthia Chapin 5:57:28
Natalie Dale 4:06:25
Jeff Dattilo 3:21:12
Steve Downard 3:04:15
Elizabeth Evans 4:36
Peter Fernando 4:23:13
Gale Fischer 2:58:37
Gale Fischer 2:58:37
Carl Fried 3:02:53
Wendy Geerligs 4:23:13
Bill Gephart 4:20:06
Peter Gower 3:33:39
Mike Grotelueschen 3:50:10
Peter Gower 3:33:39
Mike Grotelueschen 3:50:10
Lisa Hansen 4:25:24
Chip Hansen 3:41:19
Chip Hansen 3:41:19
Gordon Hare 5:11:18
Giti Henrie 3:39:28
Frank Hui 4:23:55
Patrick Johnson 3:42:42
Kayla Kling 3:48:08
Tim Kling 4:19:29
Erin Kucera 4:13:14
Rob Lillie 3:40:44
Ryan Lumbard 3:32:57
Sherrie Mann 4:00:58
Pam McBride 4:06:36
Michelle Neel 3:13:46
Cindy Owen 4:04:03
Michelle Neel 3:13:46
Cindy Owen 4:04:03
Robert Poznanski 3:25:55
Ronald Reid 3:53:28
Megan Roschek 5:45:05
Amy Shaffer 4:43:34
Joel Shaffer 3:36:20
Mark Sigfrids 3:28:28
Tim Sochor 3:27:21
Mark Sigfrids 3:28:28
Tim Sochor 3:27:21
Julie Steeby 4:03:10
Nancy Sundberg 4:20:05
David Thierjung 4:10:16
Sherri Watts 4:11:42
Jessica Wesel 5:50:47
Tracy Wilson 4:19:55
Dale Wyatt 4:03:13
Half Marathon
Shannon Aardema 2:42
Dale Wyatt 4:03:13
Half Marathon
Shannon Aardema 2:42
Mindy Allwardt 2:33:37
Sheila Clothier 2:07:10
Cristi DeDoes 1:57:22
Brian Dobbie 2:06:19
Christy Elluru 2:13:27
Joy Gardner 2:47:08
Kim Grindall 2:06:19
Carrie Hybels 2:04:35
Erica McCulley 2:14:36
Megan Ogden 2:06:10
Tammy Parat 2:34:04
Stephanie Sabin 1:39:27
Kailey Shaffer 1:44:54
Jody Stanley 2:35:17
Brenda Stoddard 1:41:00
Mike Toburen 1:34:43
Congratulations to all of our Safari Half and Full Marathoners! Now let’s PARTY!
Congratulations to all of our Safari Half and Full Marathoners! Now let’s PARTY!
And don't forget to spread the cheer....
The Gazelle program really works! I did 4:11 for my very first marathon...you guys/gals rock.
Thanks for all of your help, advice and encouragement! - Sherry Taylor
The Gazelle program really works! I did 4:11 for my very first marathon...you guys/gals rock.
Thanks for all of your help, advice and encouragement! - Sherry Taylor
Thank you so much for all your hard work to make the training a great asset for all of us!
- Gracie Biskie
I do want to thank all of you who motivated me every weekend through the training. What a great group to be involved in. I enjoyed my whole summer of training and all of the friends that I have made. - Cecilia Mallet
