SAS staff competes in Shanghai International Marathon BY Maria English, MS/HS Library, Puxi campus
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ongratulations to the 21 SAS faculty and staff (eight from Pudong and 13 from Puxi) who participated in the annual Shanghai International Marathon on Sunday, December 2nd. The race options included a 5K Fun Run, half marathon (21.1 km), or the full marathon (42.2km) — with the majority of us opting to run the half marathon. For many, this was our first race and we had spent months training — starting as slow as a few miles a week and then increasing, run by run, the overall distance. Not only does the training increasing physical fitness levels, but it also gives the confidence and mental training one needs to complete a long distance race. As Polly Johnston describes, “I have always worked out, but have been more of a fast walker than a runner. Then, about four months ago, I started really running and found that I loved it.” The day started out rather glum with a steady rain and wind that brought the temperature down to just above zero degrees Celsius. Regardless of the weather, there was excitement in the air as the estimated 30,000 runners from around the world huddled together on the Bund for the start of the race. The course wound its way
Team SAS Pudong: Tress Ahles, Timber Monteith, Karl Poulin, Michelle Wrzesinski, Beth Tucker, Katelyn Regan, and Ben Regan (not pictured: Stacie Nakai). PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARIA ENGLISH
through the Bund area, along Nanjing Road, past Jing ‘An temple and the infamous Huai Hai Road, and ended at the Shanghai Stadium in Xujiahui. Along the route, runners were greeted by drumming groups, cheerleaders and general spectators
Team SAS Puxi, Back row: Alice Hootsman, Christine Doleman, Polly Johnston, Alan Knobloch, and Javier Castro. Middle row: Maria English, Yvonne Zhu, Ada Ma, Kathy Love, and Eileen Knobloch. Front row: Terry Lu and Ricky Wang. (not pictured: Andy Lewis).
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shouting an encouraging “jiayou (加油)!” “There was a festive buzz in the air. The temperature and air quality was perfect for running. It was a beautiful course for sightseeing in downtown Shanghai,” commented Michelle Wrzesinski, running the half marathon for the second time. The race was both physically and mentally challenging. Despite the challenge, many of the runners finished the race, many with faster times than anticipated. Notable accomplishments include Christine Doleman and Eileen Knobloch placing number 17 and 89 respectively, within the top 100 of all women running the half marathon race. “The hardest part of the run was between miles 10 and 11, but I was able to remind myself to slow down and just keep going. Before I knew it, I was almost done. Running across the finish line gave me an incredible feeling of accomplishment, and I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they might like to give it a try,” said Eileen Knobloch. Overall, it was an experience for each of us that tested us physically and mentally, challenges we overcame with hard work.
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