JA Runners Finish Boston Marathon with Stunning Times
April 29, 2022
Photo by Derek Call, runnersworld.com
Not only did JA’s runners finish the Boston Marathon with really fast times, but they also raised over US$10,000 each in their individual fundraisers!
Running the Boston Marathon has been a lifelong dream for Wayne Saville. Running a marathon is an accomplishment for anyone, but Wayne finished in a truly remarkable 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 47 seconds. And he raised US$11,503 for JA Worldwide!
“It has always been a dream of mine to run a race, but I never really had the impetus before,” Wayne said. “The race itself was an amazing experience, and I am glad to be able to support JA Worldwide.”
Mariana Pantin Azpúrua is a marathon veteran, but this was the first time she’d ever run the Boston Marathon. She completed the marathon in a stunning 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 30 seconds, and she raised US$10,021 for JA Americas.
“I cannot believe I am a Boston Finisher!” Mariana said.
In addition to our runners’ fundraisers, Global Council member and JA alum Bill Schawbel committed to matching all donations from this year’s marathon for JA Worldwide.
We spoke to Wayne and Mariana (after they had a chance to rest, recover, and celebrate, of course) about their marathon feats:
JA Worldwide: Why did you decide to run the Boston Marathon?
Wayne: It’s always been a dream of mine to run a marathon. I’ve been a short-distance runner on and off for about 20 years. Besides being a spectator, it was really a conversation that I had with Bill Schwabel last October that inspired me to run. Brandie [Conforti, JA Worldwide’s Chief Development Officer] and I had gone to his house before the marathon in 2021 to set up the JA sign, and we ended up spending quite a while speaking with Bill and his lovely wife, Judy. Hearing Bill's marathon tales, but more importantly observing his passion and belief in JA, really made me want to run for JA (as opposed to even my own non-profit organization!)
Mariana: The Boston Marathon is the marathon! All runners know what running Boston means, and the honor and satisfaction that completing the oldest and most respected 42K brings. This year was also special because it marked the celebration of 50 years of the first official women's division. As a woman and a runner, this celebration made the marathon even more significant. Seeing five of those first eight ladies who officially finished de Boston Marathon in 1972 in person was a true pleasure.
JA Worldwide: Why do you support JA?
Mariana: I am extremely grateful to JA for the unique opportunity it gave me to participate in the Boston Marathon. Without JA, it would have been very difficult for me to enter the race since my fastest years have passed. It would have been very, very difficult for me to meet the qualifying times this year. I have always been involved in educational matters and I have been very active in assisting youth to help them self-develop and become independent. Being a sixth-grade teacher for 17 years, and now an educational counselor guiding students through their university selections and application processes keeps me involved in the field that I love so much. I respect and value the job that JA does and the impact it has in youth empowerment. All of this gave my race (and training) a meaningful purpose and a goal to look up to.
Wayne: Working in finance and accounting and having a business-orientated mind (working multiple jobs from a very young age), I believe in JA’s mission. I grew up in very humble surroundings in the UK and was never afforded the opportunity to benefit from the great programs JA offers.
JA Worldwide: What impact has running made on your life?
Wayne: Running has made a huge impact on my life. I’ve suffered from asthma since I was a baby. I spent a lot of time as a child in the hospital being treated for severe asthma attacks. Keeping active and playing sports and eventually moving on to running has helped me stay healthy by building my lung capacity so I don't have to be as reliant on medicines to keep my symptoms at bay.
Mariana: Running has always given me a space for myself, a place to find peace and put my thoughts in order. The competition is against myself. Running is all about becoming better and not about comparing myself to others. It helps me put problems in perspective and break routines. As a wife and a working mother of two, it is sometimes difficult to find time for myself. Running has given me that time, a time in which I not only exercise (and benefit from it), but also time to meditate without music and without company. When I run, it’s only me and my thoughts, and sometimes with no thoughts at all. Running is rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling. It has given me discipline, perseverance, strong legs and lungs, and most importantly, a strong mind. With every finish line crossed, I get an indescribable feeling of achievement where all the effort has been worth it. Not all runs go smoothly or as planned, but undoubtedly, all of them make me a better and stronger person. If you have never tried running, I invite you to do so. Break barriers and give it a try. You won't regret it!
We are so grateful for JA supporters like Wayne and Mariana.
You can still donate to Wayne and Mariana’s fundraisers through the end of the month!