Madison Marathon Profile: Jen Johnson

For 42-year-old Jen Johnson (aka JJ), a breast cancer diagnosis last April was a major hurdle. But after enduring intense treatment that included seven surgeries and 16 rounds of chemo, Jen has beaten cancer and is ready to run this year's Madison Half Marathon.

Madison Marathon Profile: Cara Conway

Cara Conway has a clear goal: to run a half marathon before getting married! Armed with lots of determination and accompanied by a few members of her wedding party, Cara will be crossing the finish line of her very first half marathon in Madison, Wisconsin this month.

Madison Marathon Profile: Greg B.

For Greg B. (50), the Madison Half Marathon has marked important new chapters in his life. After training for his first Madison Half Marathon as a way to deal with the strain of a marriage that was coming to an end, his journey came full circle in 2014 when he proposed to his girlfriend after running the race.

Madison Marathon Profile: Katey Collins

First-time Madison Marathon participant Katey Collins will be running in honor of 7-year old Beau, an amazing young man who lives with cerebral palsy. Read about how Katey connected with Beau through the organization IRun4 Michael.

Madison Marathon Profile: Brent Kimbel and Bill Enright

If you’ve attended the Madison Marathon, you've seen Brent Kimbel (42) and Bill Enright (47), who do the entire race dressed as beer bottles—challenging others to have fun while they run. "Many people we talk to come to the starting line with a goal of 'just beating the beer bottles,'" said Brent. "Luckily we're not super fast runners, so a lot of people walk away happy."

Madison Marathon Profile: Emily Kurian

Emily Kurian, age 30, will defend her title in the Madison Marathon on November 9, 2014. Wife and training partner of accomplished regional runner Joe Kurian, Emily is drawn to running as a healthy lifelong activity. Emily and Joe competed in the 2014 NYC Marathon on November 2, 2014 - a mere 1 week before the Madison Marathon.

Madison Marathon Profile: Ashley Matthys

Ashley Matthys missed the deadline for registering for the soccer team in seventh grade - so she took up running instead. Now, as she prepares for her first-ever Madison Marathon 26.2 distance, she can't imagine a deeper passion for any sport aside from running. Read about Ashley's experiences in this Madison Marathon athlete profile.

Madison Marathon Profile: Anthony Garcia

Anthony Garcia, 26, didn't always think of himself as an athlete; after all, he said, "I was barely to make three plays in touch football in college." But that was before he started running, lost 100 pounds, and completed a back-to-back Twilight 10K and Half Marathon race during the spring Madison Marathon events.

Madison Marathon Profile: Jan Hagen

Avid runner Jan Hagen is headed toward the finish line of her 100th marathon, choosing the Madison Marathon for the triple-digit accomplishment. Undeterred by health challenges, Hagen hopes to "inspire others to be more aware of how fitness contributes to a fulfilling lifestyle."

Madison Marathon Profile: Douglas Dulli

Douglas Dulli didn't start running until he was nearly 40 years old - but the first day he laced up his sneakers, it evoked such a passion for the sport that his feet began making up for lost time. Now 62, he's preparing for his 100th marathon: the 2014 Madison Marathon, raced on familiar, oft-tread streets.

Blog