FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2015 Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon:
Entrant Profile Stories
Fundraising, Overcoming Diversity, and
Herculean Challenges Motivate Race Participants
NAPA, Calif. - February 13, 2015 - A sold-out field of 3,000 entrants from
18 countries, 48 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. will gather in
California's Napa Valley for the 37th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley
Marathon on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The Napa Valley Marathon (NVM) asks each
entrant to describe on their entry form their reasons for entering the
race. Among the varied responses each year, many illustrate how the
challenges of a 26.2-mile race spurs marathoners to undertake charitable
deeds that assist others who face adversity, to overcome personal
adversities themselves, or to travel the globe in search of the most
compelling races. A high percentage of respondents also cited the
reputation of NVM as one of the best organized marathons in the U.S., and
the allure of the picturesque Napa Valley wine growing region, as primary
reasons for entering the race.
Every Napa Valley Marathon participant assists important local causes. All
proceeds from the Napa Valley Marathon (a non-profit organization) are
donated to local charities and schools in the Napa Valley region. Numerous
NVM participants, however, choose to go beyond NVM's annual philanthropy by
dedicating their race to others, often raising donations that fund the
charities of their choice.
On January 19, 2014, Forbes Travel Guide rated NVM among the top ten
marathons in the world "worth traveling for." Runner's World magazine
selected NVM as one of the top ten U.S. marathons for first-time marathon
participants in its January, 2011 issue. American Express' Departures
magazine declared NVM as #7 in their "ten travel-worthy races that make for
truly memorable journeys on the run."
Entry limits for NVM are largely determined by the number of available
hotel rooms in the world-renowned Napa Valley wine producing and tasting
region.
NVM ENTRANT PROFILE STORIES
Selected NVM entrants' stories appear below.
Dr. Christine Lajeunesse (52, Reno, Nev.) ran her first marathon in 2004
following the birth of her three children, surgery and radiation treatment
for advanced thyroid cancer, and removal of her appendix. Her finishing
time of 3 hours, 48 minutes qualified her to run the 2005 Boston Marathon,
which she completed on her 43rd birthday. Lajeunesse, a urologist, was yet
to face her biggest challenges on a rocky path that has subsequently led
her to the 2015 Napa Valley Marathon.
On December 17, 2013, a mentally ill man entered Reno's Renown Regional
Medical Center and shot two urologists and a third victim with a shotgun at
point-blank range before killing himself. His attack killed one doctor,
seriously injured a patient, and critically wounded Lajeunesse in the right
arm and abdomen. She was treated in an intensive care unit, underwent 12
surgeries in 10 days, and wasn't released from the hospital until six weeks
later. In March 2014 Lajeunesse underwent a subsequent surgery-a bone graft
from her left femur to reconstruct the radius bone in her forearm.
Undeterred, Lajeunesse embarked upon a walking program, at first covering a
single mile in 30 minutes. She set a goal to get back into road racing
under the guidance of Valentine "Ski" Pisarski, the Head Coach of Northern
Sierra Endurance Training, a Reno-based non-profit running group for
runners and walkers that supports community programs, projects, and
families in need. Last October, Lajeunesse completed the Bizz Johnson
Express Half Marathon (Susanville, Calif.)
"I've always been very goal oriented and having a race goal is a way of
extending myself and getting back to my normal self," Lajeunesse said. "Ski
is the driving force that is making this happen. I knew of Ski's own health
challenges and his example showed me that with a positive attitude and
persistence it's possible to run a marathon after serious health problems."
Pisarski, who has successfully battled four types of cancer, completed his
25th NVM (and 115th marathon in total) at last year's race. He recommended
NVM to Dr. Lajeunesse for her comeback to marathon running.
"I hope to finish under the six hour cut-off time, and would love to break
5 hours," said Lajeunesse. "I know that my time won't qualify me for
Boston, but I hope I'll be able to qualify again some day."
Historically, NVM's fast, point-to-point, USA Track & Field certified (for
accurate distance) marathon course through the scenic Napa Valley has
attracted marathon devotees whose goal is to achieve a qualifying time for
the venerable Boston Marathon. Each year, numerous everyday runners set
their sights on Boston as their personal "Olympic Games." Boston Marathon
participants must earn their entry into the race by achieving a fairly
demanding marathon qualifying time, based on the entrant's gender and age.
This year, over 40 NVM entrants stated on their entry form that their
primary motivation for running Napa is to qualify for Boston.
In 1997, Ariane Lyons (56, Sacramento, Calif.) ran her first marathon. It
was the Napa Valley Marathon. Since then, she has finished marathons in all
50 U.S. states, a quest she completed in 2008. For her accomplishment,
Lyons earned a coveted 50 states finisher award as a member of the 50
States Marathon Club. Lyons first started running marathons in various
locales around the U.S. based on suggestions by her friends.
"I think many Americans have a desire to see all 50 States and this was a
way to accomplish that goal," Lyons said. "Many of my running buddies went
with me on various marathons. Without even trying, I got up to 10 states,
which was the minimum needed to join the 50 States Club. At some point,
momentum keeps you going. I've also enjoyed meeting other members of the 50
States Club at various races. They're an impressive group of people and
they're always positive and welcoming."
Lyons has completed more than 70 marathons, including the historic Athens
(Greece) Marathon. Eighteen years after running her debut marathon at NVM,
she is returning to the race because she wants to re-visit some of her
favorites.
"Of course Napa is one of my most memorable marathons," she said. "Plus,
it's a world-class destination marathon that is well organized."
David Hanna, 50, and Cynthia Hanna, 53, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. are
first-time NVM entrants, however they are no strangers to marathons. In
fact, they have already achieved what they believe is a unique
accomplishment: We are the first couple in the world to complete a marathon
crossing the finish line together on every continent, they explain on their
Two-gether Runners! website. The Hannas have submitted their story to the
Guinness Book of World Records for "official" verification of their feat.
"Our first marathon together after being married was in 2005 at the
Marathon du Médoc in Bordeaux, France," Cynthia Hanna said. "After we ran
that we realized how much we enjoyed traveling to other parts of the world
and experiencing different cultures as well as different and unique race
courses. We mapped our journey of marathons on all seven continents, and
after three years, in 2008, we completed it, crossing the finish line of
each marathon together, hand-in-hand."
The Hannas' most challenging marathon? Antarctica with temperatures below 0
degrees Fahrenheit, a course over snow, ice, mud, rock, and few spectators.
Their most memorable? The Safaricom Marathon that ran through Africa's Lewa
Wildlife Conservancy where giraffes crossed their running path and
elephants roamed the "sidelines."
Their favorite marathon to date? Marathon du Médoc.
"We started our journey together in Bordeaux, France running a marathon on
the wine trail there and we thought that the Napa Valley Marathon would be
just perfect," Cynthia Hanna explained. "We're now both 50. What a great
way to kick-off the next chapter of our lives by getting back in shape
together with another marathon traveling through wine country."
Dallas, Tex. residents Zachary Porter, 40, Henda Salmeron, 48, Steven
Novak, 41, and Trey Bayne (44, Richardson, Tex.) are running this year's
NVM with a goal of raising $25,000 and public awareness for the HeartGift
Foundation. HeartGift is a nonprofit organization that brings children
living in developing countries around the world to the U.S. for free
medical diagnosis, care, and surgery to correct life-threatening congenital
heart defects. Established in 2000, HeartGift began its work in Austin,
Tex. and now has chapters in multiple cities. The organization creates
partnerships with local medical service providers which donate their
medical services. Since its founding, HeartGift has treated more than 200
children from over 30 countries.
These four NVM entrants embraced HeartGift after the foundation made a
presentation to Dallas Roundtable, a business development and networking
organization in which they are members. In total, they have accumulated
about 40 marathon finishes between themselves, however all four are
competing in NVM for the first time.
"We were particularly moved by the HeartGift cause and the fact that it's
such a personal experience," Porter said. "You get to save a specific
child's life through your efforts; you know their name, their life story,
see their picture, and then meet and spend time with them during their
visit to the States," Porter said.
"We are raising money to save 1-1/2 year-old Urangoo Erdenebaatar from
Mongolia. "She was born with a congenital heart defect, but doesn't have
access to the care she needs. We're raising money for Urangoo and her
mother to come to Dallas for six weeks where they'll stay with a host
family during her prescreening, heart surgery, recovery, and follow-up."
William Hopkins (Corralitos. Calif.) is lining up for his sixth NVM after
decades of running and competing. But this year's race will pose a unique
challenge for the 59-year-old podiatrist. In 2006, Hopkins had a tumor
removed from his spinal cord, leaving him with residual paralysis in his
lower legs.
"I didn't think that I would ever run again, but it felt good just to be
alive and walking," said Hopkins who subsequently took up rock climbing
because he was unable to run. "Over the next few years, I gained enough
core strength to give running a try again. Nothing has been easy, but being
able to get back on the road again has been worth the effort.
"For the first time in a decade, I ran up to Sand Point in The Forrest of
Nicene Marks, overlooking the Monterey Bay. As I gazed out in my
endorphin-enhanced runner's buzz, I counted my blessings and silently
thanked all those who helped me back."
Now, Hopkins aspires to repeat a goal he reached at the Napa Valley
Marathon 20 years ago. His time at that race qualified him for the 1996
Boston Marathon, the event's ceremonious 100th running. Boston has a
mobility impaired program with an extended qualifying time of 6:00 hours
for individuals with permanent physical disabilities that affect their
ability to ambulate.
Jenny Chen (18, Sonoma, Calif.), a Senior at Sonoma Valley High School, is
among 17 percent of NVM entrants who stated on their entries that NVM will
be their first marathon. Chen is running NVM as her high school Senior
Project.
"My family members aren't active runners, but I've always enjoyed running
since I was in elementary school," Chen explained. "In elementary and
middle school, I always set the record time for females in our class for
running one mile. As the oldest of five children, I'm full of joy to see my
younger brother also enjoying sports and running."
Initially, Chen was overwhelmed by the mere thought of her Senior Project.
"I had no clue of what I was going to do or anything I had interest in."
Then she sought advice from Lisa Connor, the high school's College & Career
Center Coordinator.
"She asked if I enjoyed sports or running and suggested that a marathon
would be a good topic. I enjoy hobbies such as cooking, sewing, and
drawing, but none of them can compete with the thrill and satisfaction of
running."
Bob Fritzky has an ambition of averaging two marathon finishes a year over
the span of his lifetime. So far, the 58-year-old Moraga, Calif. resident
is ahead of plan. He's completed 119 marathons, including seven NVMs, since
running his first one in 1974.
It's far from a stretch to say that Fritzky has a positive running
addiction. Until 2011, he had a streak of running 17 years in a row without
missing a day. He has run more than 314,819 miles in training and racing.
He recalls the days when marathons were timed with hand-held stopwatches,
bib numbers were often hand-drawn on paper, and water was the only
refreshment served along the course. Fritzky expects to complete this
year's NVM in about 3:40:00. His personal best time for the 26.2-mile
distance is 2:46:24.
Heather Parks (39, Bruceton Mills, W. Va.) travels to Napa with elite
credentials on her running resume. Parks, (better known as Heather Bury
before she married) has a personal best marathon of 2:45:04 which qualified
her for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, an event that selected the
U.S. women's Olympic marathon team that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games
in Athens, Greece. Parks subsequently married Donald Parks, and the couple
has three children, Travis, 7, Eileen, 3, and Tyler, 2. Besides parenting
her youngsters, Parks is the Recreation Director at Big Bear Lake Camplands
in West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains.
Parks has entered the 2015 NVM with a stated mission (on her entry form) of
"trying to do it all over again!" When asked to elaborate, Parks said "My
goal is to get back to continually improving again. I want to be my best
when I turn 40. I take each race as it comes. If I were to run a 2:50 at
Napa I would entertain the thought of then trying to get a (2016) Olympic
Trials qualifying time. But I've been there before, and I know how hard it
is to get there. To do it with three kids and a job would be tremendous.
The great thing is there are other moms out there doing it, too, so it
keeps hope alive."
Dotty Maddock (60, Franklin, Idaho) has also overcome physical and mental
challenges on the way to the 2015 Napa Valley Marathon. Despite a hearing
loss that has gradually worsened since she was a teenager, Maddock has
accumulated 111 marathons and numerous road races at other distances since
1994.
"I used to run with no hearing in races, and had my running shirt printed
with deaf runner on the back so others knew why I was ignoring them,"
Maddock said. "On one occasion, another racer grabbed my shirt to stop me
from running into an intersection where an emergency vehicle was racing
through. I'm usually very observant, but I'm very grateful for that runner
watching out for me."
Now, when she races, Maddock benefits from a cochlear implant-provided that
racing conditions are dry. The implant is a small, complex electronic
device that can help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly
deaf or severely hard-of-hearing.
"It was amazing the first time I actually heard the national anthem before
a marathon," exclaimed Maddock who is running her first Napa Valley
Marathon.
In 2013, Kimberly Tank (56, Concord, Calif.) was diagnosed with
Amyloidosis, an incurable disease that can lead to life-threatening organ
failure. Since then, Tank, a three-time Boston Marathon qualifier who
started running when she was 47, has received chemotherapy treatments. Last
August, she had a stem cell transplant which she describes as similar to a
bone marrow transplant.
Tank was able to continue running during her treatments and entered last
year's NVM, before being derailed by a pulled hamstring which prevented her
from competing. "But I'm determined not to let anything stop me," she
declared. Tank was able to defer her 2014 NVM entry to this year's race and
is now focused on completing her first NVM.
"I've worked very hard to come back and I'm almost where I was last year at
this time," Tank said. "My training is going well and I fully intend to be
on the Napa starting line. I've been trying to run another marathon for two
years now. I'm very excited. My goal is to qualify for Boston again, but I
know to simply finish is going to be very sweet."
For more information about the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon,
please visit the marathon's web site at www.napavalleymarathon.org
The Napa Valley Marathon appreciates generous sponsor support from Kaiser
Permanente/Thrive, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, Visit Legendary Napa
Valley, Clif Family Winery, ASICS, Arrowhead Water, Clif Bar, Road Runners
Club of America, USA Track & Field, Gatorade G Endurance, MarathonFoto,
Marathon & Beyond, Napa Running Company, Running USA, KCBS AM and FM Radio,
KPIX5 and KBCW, XFINITY, KVON 1440 AM, KVYN/99.3 The Vine, Wallaby Organic,
Napa Smith Brewery, and Napa Valley Bike Tours.
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