It seems that when it comes to road races, and most notably longer distance events, each and every runner is a story in his or herself. No surprise then that the Friendly Massey Marathon, contested about a month ago, produced a trio of fascinating stories in no time flat.
If the ebbs and flows of any runner’s career mirror the chapters of a book, then it’s safe to suggest that the Stephanie Koett novel contains two major storylines. She was the first woman to cross the finish line in Massey, winning the Female 40-49 age grouping in a time of 3:37.43. But the Toronto-born long-time Sudburian admitted to picking up the sport, despite an almost non-existent background in athletics.
“I had a group of friends with the Sudbury Rocks (running club) and we all wanted to go to the Boston Marathon, and that’s what spurred on this long distance nonsense,” Koett said.
The year was 1999, and with the help of Vince Perdue, the founder of the running club, Koett began a journey almost from scratch.
“When you’re young, you get something in your head and you want it,” Koett said. “At that age, provided you follow the proper schedule, it’s not a reach.”
All you see is a sea of heads in front of you — you can’t fathom that many people running that distance, with spectators cheering you along all the way.
Stephanie Koett,
marathon runner
In fact, the Laurentian University chemistry graduate evolved quickly, moving from doing three miles three times a week, to qualifying for Boston within a year.
Attending the history rich marathon for the first time, Koett described the experience as absolutely exhilarating, a thrill she has enjoyed on many occasions.
“I think the first Toronto Marathon set the stage, because I had never run anything on that scale before,” Koett said. “All you see is a sea of heads in front of you — you can’t fathom that many people running that distance, with spectators cheering you along all the way.”
Continuing to progress and looking to achieve a lifetime goal of running a sub 3:18 marathon, Koett was blindsided in 2005 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet as she celebrated her five-year anniversary as a survivor in 2010, the importance of running throughout the process was emphasized with every story she shares.
“I kept going right through my treatment in 2005 — running allowed me to take my mind off things,” Koett said. “The Sudbury Rocks’ group were with me every step of the way.”
It would take almost four years for the impact of her illness and the treatment to recede to the point of nearing her earlier marathon times. But 2010 has provided another watershed for Koett, running her fastest half-marathon ever in North Bay earlier this year.
In November, she and friends headed to the New York City Marathon for the first time ever, an event that has been described to Koett as “Boston on steroids.” The race provided just the latest chapter in this wonderful tale, one which continues to enjoy a very happy ending.
The bi-product of a very athletic family, Peter Yawney understands that races can often come down to the smallest of margins. It’s just that he wouldn’t necessarily expect that to be the case after running more than 42 kilometres.
Yawney first qualified to run the Boston Marathon back in 2000, but his trek to the race was shelved as he pursued academic opportunities. With two young children at home, his running remained as more “maintenance workouts,” having trouble devoting the time required to fully commit to the distance training.
However, it was clear the bug was still there. “I’ve always had a passion for running,” Yawney said. “It’s something I can do easily — you just need a pair of shoes and shorts. And it’s great stress relief.”
Through much of the past decade, Yawney was content to enter half marathons, an event that he could manage even when the miles logged on the road might be hit and miss.
But as his kids got older,Yawney found himself pushed once again. In May, he ventured to Ottawa, competing in a marathon in the nation’s capital. He needed to run a sub 3:21:00 time in order to advance to Boston.
Crossing the line in 3:21.14, Yawney knew he was close as he readied himself for a second shot in Massey. “I felt a little tired going into Massey — should have laid off mixing cement — but I felt really good in the first part of the race.”
Ahead of his required pace, Yawney fell victim to leg cramps with about ten kilometers remaining, leaving his Boston dream in peril.
“I knew I was close and I kept thinking as long as I could keep moving forward, there really was no reason why I shouldn’t keep pushing myself,” Yawney said.
Covering the complete gamut of emotions, Yawney read a time of 3:21.02 as he crossed the finish line, only to be informed a short while later that his official chip time came in at 3:20.59, earning his spot in Boston by less than a second.
Fifteen-year-old Brodie Silk has no illusions of running grandeur. If he is to make it big time, it will be on the hockey rink. The Iroquois Falls native was a second-round pick of the Sudbury Wolves this past May, likely to suit up in his first OHL season this fall.
But in the world of distance running, where breaking the 40-minute mark in the 10-km distance is considered noteworthy, Silk’s time of 37:52 certainly garnered some attention.
“I just do the running to help my training,” Silk said.
Motivated by the encouragement of personal trainer Herve Leroux, Silk and some hockey friends from the Timmins area have traditionally run this distance, in races, once or twice per summer.
“I think it helps — when I come off the ice, I’m not really all that tired,” Silk said. “I could probably take a 10-minute shift.”
While new head coach Trent Cull might not approve, there is little doubt that enjoying that type of cardio fitness level is something that will continue to help Silk, both on and off the ice.
Randy Pascal is the founder of Sudbury Sports.com and a contributing sports editor for Northern Life.
