After a serious car accident in May 2015, doctors told Stephanie Sprague (25) of Dubuque, Iowa that she’d be in the hospital for the next four months, and even then things were unlikely to be “normal” for her. Remarkably, Stephanie beat those odds - and will be pursuing her first Madison Marathon on November 8, 2015.
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Madison Marathon Profile: Carolyn Moore
Carolyn Moore is a seasoned marathon runner. She is pursuing her first-ever Madison Marathon in November, 2015. And when she crosses the finish line on the Capitol Square, she won’t be alone—her running partner, a visually impaired athlete, will accompany her.
Read MoreMadison Marathon Profile: Wayne Engelbrecht
Wayne Engelbrecht has volunteered at the Madison Marathon for the past decade - and also run in five different full Madison Marathons. His favorite volunteer spot? The information booth, answering questions from runners.
Read MoreGirls on the Run: One in a Million
In the photography industry, numbers tell a story. For Girls on the Run, numbers tell about a empowerment, and impact, and engagement. They tell of a generation transformed through movement, joy, and conversation. And this year, they mark one million girls served by Girls on the Run International.
Read MoreMadison Marathon and myTEAM TRIUMPH: Everyone Wins
The Madison Marathon is for everyone - which is why the relationship between the race and its partner, myTEAM TRIUMPH, is so significant. myTEAM TRIUMPH pairs physically-challenged and able-bodied racers. Learn more about myTEAM TRIUMPH and how the Madison Marathon supports its work.
Read MoreMadison 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.
Read MoreMadison 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.
Read MoreMadison 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.
Read More10 Ways to Use Your FocalShare Digital Photo
Free race photos are awesome - but what can you do with them? Here are 10 ideas about how to use your free FocalShare digital photos from Focal Flame Photography.
Read MoreLacrosse Comes to Madison - What a Score!
by Deborah Proctor
What you say? Oh, not the city — lacrosse (all lower case) — the fast paced field sport, with its roots in Native American culture. Combining elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey, while favoring speed, agility, and finesse over brawn, lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in America.
Madison scored big when chosen by US Lacrosse to host the 2013 US Central Lacrosse Championship in the area. This open tournament attracted teams from eight central US states, which according to Jamie Patrick of the Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) "had an estimated direct spending impact of over $998,000."
So how did Madison win the bid for this premier sporting event? "Madison is the intersection of great people, meeting venues, restaurants, attractions, and support all wrapped up in a unique personality. It’s why people like coming here for events," said Patrick,"We also have great June weather (and) a venue that fits the needs of the event well."
To meet the needs of the 40 teams that traveled to Madison for the championship, MASC partnered with the Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation (WLF) who provided volunteers, scheduled referees, and painted fields. MASC added housing support, volunteer time, marketing and other services and support.
Federation President, Dave Wollin, was thrilled that Madison was chosen. "This is a big shot of recognition for Wisconsin Lacrosse, which has been getting downplayed by local media and area universities because the sport is not recognized by the WIAA. But...we have 234 boys and girls teams in the state, including ... varsity level... double-digit growth for the past 7 years."
Focal Flame Photography, who photographed the event on behalf of the MASC, congratulates all the players who participated in the championship on a great display of enthusiasm and sportsmanship. We send our heartiest cheers of support to local Dane County UC15 team DC Capitals who earned a #1 bracket seed and posted a 4-1 tournament record, finishing in 2nd place and qualifying to play in the National Tournament in Florida in July. If you would like to help the team cover expenses for this trip, contact them at dccapitalslax@hotmail.com. For more information on how you can learn the sport or get involved as a volunteer or coach, visit www.MADLAX.org.
Interested in sports photography for your youth team? Contact us today!