Watch out Boston Marathon, here we come

Gig Harbor-area runners prepare for Monday’s world-renowned race

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Five women — four of whom are Gig Harbor residents — have yet to feel the true glory of running in what is considered one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

Through friends, Christine Cason, Teri Stewart, Katie Robertson, Verna Herron and Kris Tebb of Tacoma will join together to participate in the 112th annual Boston Marathon next Monday.

The Boston Marathon attracts about 30,000 racers each year. Those who competed last year experienced what was reported as some of the worst weather conditions in the race’s history.

Each peninsula resident has been running for more than 20 years. However, each one of them believes running the Boston Marathon will be the highlight of their favorite exercise.

“I thought to myself, ‘I run so much. I want to do the Boston Marathon,’ ” Stewart said.

It will be a first-time experience for each one, except for Tebb, who is an employee at Route 16, a new running store off Kimball Drive.

The women said there are waves of nervousness coupled with excitement. The most challenging part was qualifying for the race.

The marathon accepts runners who meet a certain time according to their age group. Each of the Gig Harbor-area runners qualified either in January or in 2007.

The Boston Marathon is the only marathon that requires a qualifying time.

And while a portion of the group said their goal is to finish in less than four hours, a few of the others want to simply enjoy the experience.

Herron, for one, said she is used to challenging her physical stamina. She’s competed in triathlon competitions in the past.

The five women plan to watch the marathon Olympic trials the day before the Boston Marathon kicks off.

Tebb, who lives in northeast Tacoma, ran last year but said the weather conditions were harsh. Her goal is to run the strongest race she can.

“I’m looking to come back and do it right this time,” she said.

Tebb added that, while she’s done multiple other races in Chicago and Portland, the event in Boston welcomes runners and “the whole town basically shuts down.”

Robertson said she is running for a special reason. She wants to race alongside — or in the same event — as her twin sister, Sara Graham.

The epitome of running is coming in less than a week for these women. The course is officially 26.22 miles and concludes with what is called “Heartbreak Hill.”

Just qualifying for the race was a good accomplishment. Now they look forward to a safe and sound trip through the winding roads as they prepare to meander through city streets and into the heart of Boston.

Qualifying times to race in the 112th Boston Marathon

The following are Boston Marathon qualifying times for Gig Harbor residents:

Christine Cason — Qualified in January at the Rock & Roll Marathon in Arizona with a time of 3 hours, 59 minutes, 56 seconds.

Teri Stewart — Also qualified in January at the Rock & Roll Marathon in Arizona with a time of 3:37:04.

Katie Robertson — Qualified in June 2007 in Port Angeles with a time of 3:44.

Verna Herron — Qualified in May 2007 in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a time of 3:54.

Kris Tebb (Tacoma) — Qualified at the Portland Marathon last year with a time of 3:45.