BPHS takes on the Pittsburgh Marathon

“There’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning than running 26.2 miles surrounded by thousands of amazing people,” said science teacher and avid runner Mrs. Camic.

Although the sheer idea of distance running is unthinkable to many, especially when it involves 26.2 miles, multiple BPHS students and teachers will be challenging themselves in different events on Sunday, May 7 at the Pittsburgh Marathon. The day’s races include the full 26.2 mile marathon, the 13.1 mile half marathon, and the 26.2 marathon relay.

The preferred race at BPHS seems to be the half marathon, with Mrs. Smoller, Mr. Lape, and Mr. Winschel planning to run it, as well as freshman cross country and track runner Sydney Burns.

Sydney is technically entered in two events, running the first 5.3 mile leg of the full marathon relay and continuing to finish the remaining 7.8 miles of the half marathon. Last year, Sydney ran the half marathon without any prior training as a runner, and her time of 2:05:06 inspired her to join cross country. This year, her goal is to finish between 1:40:00 and 1:50:00, but more importantly, “to beat Mr. Winschel.”

With a similar goal of 1:45:00, math teacher Mr. Lape will also race along the streets of the city he grew up in this weekend. After many days spent in the cardio room after school, he is hoping to “get the feeling of accomplishment” that comes with finishing the race. Moreover, Mr. Lape will be running with the Cystic Fibrosis team to help raise awareness and find a cure.

Another member of Run to Cure CF is Mrs. Camic, who is returning for her third full marathon. Living with cystic fibrosis her entire life, it only seemed appropriate for her to join the team in hopes of raising awareness and funds to find a cure for the devastating disease. Over the past four years, Mrs. Camic has raised almost $65,000 for the cystic fibrosis foundation, motivated by young children including her daughter, who pronounces cystic fibrosis as “65 roses.”

Mrs. Camic’s goal on race day is to beat her best time of 4:34:00, and also to spread encouragement to the CF community, showing that “despite the obstacles life throws your way, you can achieve your dreams.”