Local teacher, Susanna Pankiw from Marwayne, described taking part in the Boston Marathon this year on April 17 as “an unforgettable amazing experience!”
Finishing the 42.2 kilometer run with a time of 5 hours 24 minutes Pankiw said she wasn’t used to the heat after training in the cold high minus temperatures all winter in Alberta.
Boston Marathon Finishing Medal
Local teacher, Susanna Pankiw from Marwayne, crosses the finish line in Boston with her medal.
“I wasn’t used to the heat. I had stomach issues unfortunately, and if they did not have portaloo and water stations along the way, I don’t think I would have been able to finish the race.
The hill at the 18th mile was one I will never forget; I thought it would never end. There was a sea of runners in front of me and a sea of runners behind me. The atmosphere was incredible, there were people supporting and cheering me on the whole way!” said Pankiw.
Pankiw, who is a mom, a teacher, and a writer, says she was inspired to do the marathon to help inspire women to have fun while getting fit.
Pankiw says she plans to run more marathons in the future and that it was an honour to run next to Kathrine Switzer as part of her group 261 Fearless.
In 1967, Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as the numbered entry 261. During her run, the race official attempted to stop Switzer and grab her official bib; however, he was shoved to the ground by Switzer's boyfriend, who was running with her, and she completed the race. It was not until 1972 that women were allowed to run the Boston Marathon officially.
261 Fearless is a global community of women who have found strength, power, and fearlessness from putting one foot in front of the other.
“I was very sore afterward, thankfully my husband and I stayed on in Boston for three days after the run, and we did a lot of walking exploring the beautiful city. The walking was really good for my legs; I heard that some people had to get a plane the next day and their legs just seized up,” said Pankiw.