Mahanoy Area coach completes Boston Marathon
Mahanoy Area counselor and coach Jenn Zilker prior to the start of the Boston Marathon on April 21. (Photo courtesy of Mahanoy Area Athletics)
After months of training and a late injury scare, Jenn Zilker reached her goal: She completed the Boston Marathon.
On April 21, Zilker, a high school counselor and head cross country coach at Mahanoy Area, completed the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton, Mass., to Boylston Street in Boston.
What follows are Zilker’s thoughts on the experience, in her own words:
“Participating in the Boston Marathon was truly a memorable experience,” Zilker said. “In addition to my family and friends, the staff, students and especially the kids I coach at Mahanoy Area were so supportive. Many offered encouraging words in the halls, and my athletes surprised me by decorating my door and giving me a “send-off” gift basket.
“The week before the race, I had a foot injury that popped up and had me worried if I could run in the race. I was cleared by my doctor to give it a try, so we headed up to Boston. In the city it is evident that the marathon is a major event. There were pre-race shake out runs, guest speakers and special events happening all over the place. I picked up my race bib on Saturday and decided that I would take the bus ride to Hopkinton and at least start the race on Monday and “see what happens.” My family traveled to the city to cheer me on, so if I had to drop out they could easily pick me up.
“I woke up early on Monday and took the 45-minute bus ride to the starting line. I met the nicest people on the bus who let me hang out with them until the start. Once we got going, it was clear to me why people love this race. There were spectators and fans all along the 26.2-mile course. People cheering, music playing, strangers offering support to people they’ve never met … it was amazing. As I took the final “left on Boylston,” the crowds were insane and the energy helps to push you across the line.
“As I finished the race, I got texts from the kids I coach and some of them even FaceTimed me and were able to see me getting my medal, which was really special to me. After the race, the whole city is alive and celebrating. Complete strangers see your medal and congratulate you on completing the race. I have never had an experience like it before, and I am so thankful I was able to participate.”
