Why I Run: 20 Marathoners Get Real

1 / 20
Because it’s fun
Running marathons shaped who I am as a person. It taught me that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it and that life really is just one foot in front of the other.
—Kelly Roberts, 26, Brooklyn, New York. Runkeeper ambassador, blogger at Run, Selfie, Repeat.
2 / 20
For the adventure
Racing isn’t about how long it takes you to get from the start to the finish, it’s the adventure you have along the way, the people you meet, and the unique moments you share.
—Simon Wheatcroft, 33, Doncaster, United Kingdom. Ultramarathoner.
3 / 20
For Alzheimer’s disease
My running while knitting and fundraising helps to keep awareness focused on those who suffer and their caregivers.
—“The Knitting Runner” David Babcock, 41, Warrensburg, Missouri. Will be crocheting as he runs the 2015 New York City Marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Photo by Julie Babcock.
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4 / 20
To grow as a person
I run because running has revealed a stronger side of myself. I have been running since I was 11 years old and this sport has been my platform for growth. Running challenges me physically, mentally, and emotionally, and the wisdom revealed through good and bad times has taught me to be better. Through running I am a better wife, mom, businesswoman, and citizen.
—Deena Kastor, 42, Mammoth Lakes, California. Professional long-distance runner, bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympic marathon, U.S. record holder in the women’s marathon and half marathon. Photo by Chryssa Panousiadou/epa/Corbis.
5 / 20
For the achievement — and the food
I love the sense of accomplishment I get from pushing myself through the pain. The burger and beer post-race meal is also a nice reward!
—Matt Hilborn, 33, San Diego, California. Senior UI/UX Engineer at events.com, nine-time marathon finisher.
6 / 20
To become the best person I can be
When running is part of my life, I feel better physically and emotionally. I do better work, treat others better, and understand things more clearly — and I have fun in life. If I do this, I can offer the world the same.
—Regin Igloria, 41, Chicago, Illinois (with a sign that says “FUN,” not “UN”). Finisher of 42 marathons with a personal record of 2:58.
7 / 20
So I don’t get lazy
It started because I lost my job and I didn’t want to become fat and lazy. I had always considered myself a lazy person and it was just time to break that mold. To find a way to pay back and help others, I became a pacer [someone who helps others run at a set speed]. After this fall season I will have paced 40 races. The first time I helped someone qualify for Boston was 10 times better than when I qualified myself!
—Rich Lavene, 43, New Egypt, New Jersey. Finisher of 57 marathons, personal record of 2:59:07.
8 / 20
For a cause
Initially it was for those who lost their battles with cancer and cancer survivors. Recently it has been about raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I work as a physical therapist at a major cancer center and am impacted and inspired by my patients’ battles every day — it’s only fair that I battle with them.
—Alex Penny , 38, Houston, Texas. Finisher of three marathons and one Ironman triathlon, charity runner for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Photo courtesy of IRONMAN.
9 / 20
So I have some “me time”
Running gives me my identity, keeps me sane, and gives me something to be passionate about. It is also my time. I love and enjoy my work and my family, but they all involve a lot of giving of myself. I need something to recharge, and that is why I run.
—Terry Toffelmire, 40, Calgary, Canada. Five-time marathon finisher.
10 / 20
For the thrill of competition
I have competed in some form of running since the 7th grade all through college, so running marathons (and more specifically ultramarathons) is a perfect way to fuel my inner competitive fire.
—Jessica Woods, 30, Brooklyn, New York. Finisher of more than 10 marathons, ambassador for Indie Fresh.
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11 / 20
For inspiration
Running marathons relieves stress and enforces in me that I can accomplish anything. It is a very emotional experience. I cry before and after the marathons, and I am touched by the people who finish them despite any disabilities or anything they’re going through personally.
—Sonja Fisher, finisher of 15 marathons.
12 / 20
To be my best self
I run marathons because they prepare you for life. I’m never more disciplined, tough, focused, and ambitious than I am when I’m training for a marathon.
—Treva Brandon Scharf, 52, Beverly Hills, California. Five-time marathon finisher, certified personal trainer, fitness blogger.
13 / 20
To travel and meet new people
I am working to complete my fourth finish of all 50 states, hopefully before I turn 50 next summer. I like the people and the travel aspects of marathoning. I really don’t like running too much.
—Paula Boone, 49, Humble, Texas . Finisher of more than 300 marathons, founder and membership director of the 50 States Marathon Club, personal record of 3:31:01.
14 / 20
For the challenge
I run marathons because I love the mental and physical challenge. I was a competitive swimmer throughout college, and when I graduated I needed another goal to strive for. More recently, my dad started running and it’s been phenomenal bonding for us.
—Lindsay McClelland, 28, Houston, Texas. Houston Marathon ambassador, running her 10th marathon at the New York Marathon on Nov. 1.
15 / 20
To help cure cancer
In 2006, I got a pamphlet in the mail that read, “Do A Marathon; Cure Cancer.” Sounded pretty good to me, especially because my friend was battling cancer. So I, a novice athlete at best, joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. I thought it would be my only marathon ever, but I’ve now finished 19!
—Alison O’Brien, 43, Union, New Jersey . Finisher of 18 full marathons and 50 half marathons; raised $14,000 to date for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
16 / 20
To stay fit
I like to run to stay in shape. I run marathons because I like to have the race as a training goal. I have been running for about 15 years. I took a break from running regularly after having my two kids, however, pregnancy and lack of exercise made me gain 50 pounds. About a year ago, I decided that I needed to make some time for myself, and I so returned to running regularly.
—Leanne Peiser, 42, San Francisco, California. Finisher of 11 marathons.
17 / 20
To honor and remember
I’m running my next race at the end of November to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon. I was working near the finish line on the day of the bombings, so completing the race has taken on a new meaning.
—Laura Beachy, 25, Brooklyn, New York. Finisher of six marathons, three ultramarathons, and 20 triathlons.
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18 / 20
To harness my strength
Running a marathon reminds me that I can accomplish great things when my mind, body, and spirit are connected. The strength I feel at the finish line is what I draw on when I face the rest of life’s challenges.
—Chris Twiggs, 44, Fernandina Beach, Florida (pictured during a pirate-themed race). Finisher of 60 marathons and several ultramarathons, International Program Director for Galloway Training Programs.
19 / 20
Because I can
I run because it keeps me accountable. It keeps me focused and inspired by people. I run because I feel free. I am my happiest when I am running. I run because I can and it feels right.
—Linzie Starr, Fontana, California. Finisher of more than 20 marathons, owner/blogger at SharpEndurance.com, runner for cancer charities .
20 / 20
For too many reasons to count
I started out to check a marathon off my bucket list. Then I realized that running was so therapeutic because of the long bouts of solitude to ponder whatever is going on in your life at that moment, the beauty of the courses you can run on, the endorphin rush of the runners’ high, the confidence it gives you to overcome any obstacle in life because you have built up such great patience, will and determination, and the fact that your clothes fit and you can occasionally eat that dessert guilt-free.
—Dennis Tupper, 39, Beverly, Massachusetts. Finisher of two marathons, charity runner for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

October 29, 2015, 2:46 PM UTC

The humor columnist Dave Barry once wrote, “There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’” That’s especially true when you consider marathon runners, who train for six months to run 26.2 agonizing, exhilarating miles — toenails be damned.

And yet, the sport is as popular as ever. The number of U.S. marathon finishers has more than doubled since 1990, according to data from Running USA. At the New York City Marathon on Sunday (Nov. 1), more than 50,000 runners are expected to wind through the five boroughs.

If you’ve ever wondered what forces drive people to such extreme challenges, Yahoo Health asked 20 experienced marathoners (including U.S. champion Deena Kastor!) why they run. Their answers may inspire you to lace up yourself.

Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Health on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Because it’s fun

For the adventure

For Alzheimer’s disease

Yahoo News is better in the app

To grow as a person

For the achievement — and the food

To become the best person I can be

So I don’t get lazy

For a cause

So I have some “me time”

For the thrill of competition

Yahoo News is better in the app

For inspiration

To be my best self

To travel and meet new people

For the challenge

To help cure cancer

To stay fit

To honor and remember

Yahoo News is better in the app

To harness my strength

Because I can

For too many reasons to count