Students run marathon for cancer awareness

By Gina Massetani

"I run to be."

To be what exactly was for each individual to choose. "I run to be strong," chose senior Kristen Stieger.

I run to be are four small words, but when combined they create a very powerful statement, which is why Nike chose it as their slogan for its Women's Marathon this year.

The race, which raises funds and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, took place last Sunday, October 17, beginning at 7 am in Union Square. The route took runners through the hills of San Francisco, ending along the Pacific Ocean. This is the seventh year the marathon has taken place in San Francisco and this year it had over 20,000 participants, both women and men.

Participants were able to choose between a half-marathon, which is 13.1 miles in length, or a full marathon, which is 26.2 miles.

Sophomore Kaitlin Fuelling worked all summer conditioning with her sister's cross-country team to compete in the half-marathon. She ran six days a week and at least 5-12 miles a day. The training prepared her well, as she finished the race in an hour and forty-four minutes and placed in the low 200s overall.

"Running by yourself and with an iPod can only take you so far," Fuelling said with a smile. "Running in a race gives you an incentive."

"As miserable as we were with our bodies, [being] in so much pain and being drenched from the rain, it was totally worth it. I was so happy I had done it," said Stieger.

Both Stieger and Fuelling heard about the race on campus through race representatives, who convinced them to run in it.

"A representative came to my sorority with flyers and explained how they reserved a couple of thousand spaces for college women to register," said Stieger.

"20,000 competed in the race, and 15,000 had to go through a random drawing. As college students we got automatic admission and at a lower price," added Fuelling.

Fuelling and Stieger both ran in the race with friends. Fuelling explained how it was nice to have someone to do it with to keep her motivation high and not to give up.

"I originally signed up to do something to push myself and that would be a big accomplishment," said Stieger. "In college there are not many sports you can participate in so I wanted something to get me active and motivated."

It wasn't until after she had signed up for the race that she heard her manager at work was participating in it too. He and a large group of friends were running for his son, who died of leukemia when he was barely two months old. Knowing about her boss' son made the race even more special for Stieger, who felt a connection with the organization the marathon was raising awareness for.

"Cancer has always been in my family so it was nice to be able to give back," Fuelling also mentioned.

Runners were supported by fans, who stood alongside the route, cheering as the participants passed.

"The entire city was packed. They had people cheering all along the way," said Fuelling. "It was great motivation to see people clapping, whether it was for you or not it didn't matter. The support was there which helped me push myself even more."

Both Stieger and Fuelling greatly enjoyed their half-marathon experience and hope to compete in it again.

"It's the best feeling in the world," said Fuelling.

Contact Gina Massetani at (408) 551-1918 or at gmassetani@scu.edu.