Virtual Marathoners

COLDWATER - When Ashley Lefeld and Lynn Huwer learned the 124th Boston Marathon was postponed in April and later turned into a virtual event, the friends figured they would simply run together like they had planned to do in Boston.

Yet in typical Mercer County fashion, the Coldwater community transformed their running route into a full-fledged marathon experience.

Huwer, 35, said she knew in her heart back in April when organizers announced the race would be postponed that it wouldn't go on as planned. With COVID-19 and everything else going on, the chief operating officer at Totally Promotional said she wasn't surprised when officials finally announced it would be virtual.

Lefeld, 35, who is an English teacher at Celina High School and owner of Golden on Main Boutique in Coldwater, said she and Huwer had planned to run the race together in Boston. Huwer had run the race before, and Lefeld said she ran the 26.2-mile marathon distance in April when it was initially postponed.

When organizers announced the race would be virtual and competitors would be able to run any time between Sept. 7-14, the two set out to pick a date and run together as planned.

Participants in the virtual Boston Marathon were still required to complete the 26.2-mile distance within a six-hour time period and provide proof of timing to the Boston Athletic Association.

The friends decided to run on Sept. 12 and created a small Facebook group to keep their friends and family updated on where and when they would run in Coldwater.

They were aware a boys' cross country mini-meet in Coldwater would be wrapping up around the same time they would be and asked coach Martin Schoenherr if they could finish their last 300 meters on the track. Huwer and Lefeld said they were happy to receive his blessing.

What the two thought would be a simple race - one route ran five times throughout town - turned into a community event.

Friends and family set up booths throughout town to hand out water. Some joined them during the run, jogging or biking with them. Some businesses invited customers to watch Huwer and Lefeld run and cheer them on while others painted their windows to encourage them to keep on going.

When the two arrived at the track, friends, family, neighbors and community members were in the stands cheering for them. The ever-iconic "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond rang out through the stadium as they closed in on the finish line.

Huwer and Lefeld crossed the finish line together beneath a "Virtual Boston Marathon 2020" banner made by Totally Promotional. The pair finished the marathon in 3:22:20.

Lefeld estimated about 100 people supported them during their race, whether it be from the sidelines or the stands.

"It was totally unexpected," she said. "It was pretty unreal, the support we had."

Lefeld said she enjoyed the virtual race for several reasons, one of which being that one of her daughters and one of her nieces joined her on their bikes. Her kids typically aren't able to join her during her runs, so Lefeld believed the virtual race was special.

Huwer agreed, saying the experience was something she'd never expect at the traditional Boston Marathon.

"It felt like a real race, and the finish made it feel real," Huwer said. "It felt fulfilling. Seeing the whole community and town come together and cheer us on is one of the more humbling experiences I've (had)."

"We've all been through a really tough year," Lefeld added. "But for the community to show up for us like they did, it says a lot about the area. It was super cool."