Stephen Clevenger
Accomplishments:
- Second Illinois finisher at the 2019 Boston Marathon, 63 overall, with time of 2:27:15
- Finished in top 50 in debut marathon at 2017 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
- Why did you start running?
I started running to get in shape for soccer. Over time I realized the soccer ball was just getting in the way!
- Biggest motivator?
First, the sense of accomplishment after completing a run is a huge motivator. Whether it’s a marathon, or just a morning run on a cold Midwest winter day, you feel better about yourself, and your day, when you complete a run.
Also, seeing my wife and family members cheer me on during a race is the ultimate motivation. Their support means so much to me, and to see their encouragement in a tangible way is indescribable.
- PR you’re proud of?
8k PR of 24:35 at the 2019 Shamrock Shuffle
- Average weekly mileage?
Lately, 160. In 2018, 80.
Katie Zawacki Tosh
Accomplishments:
- Female winner at 2019 BQ.2 marathon with time of 3:21:49
- Two BQs one year after breaking her ankle
- Why did you start training for a BQ?
I ran my first marathon six years ago (the 2013 Chicago Marathon). At that time, my only goal was to finish, and I was so excited when I did so. Three years ago, I got the itch to be faster. I added more speed workouts, and chopped 12 minutes off, and then realized that a BQ was in my wheelhouse.
- Best place to run?
I like to do my long runs on the lakefront path, and I will do my speed workouts on the 606 (where it is nice and flat). However, my favorite place that I’ve ever run was this past summer when I did a long training run in San Francisco and got to run across the Golden Gate Bridge!
- PR you’re proud of?
3:30:53, 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
- Favorite race distance?
Hands down 26.2
