For many, participating in races is a pursuit of personal achievement or a means to find balance in life. This weekend’s Cleveland Marathon is particularly special for four members of the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) community, who view the event as a testament to discipline, resilience, and the determination to push forward.
The individuals—Kristyen Tomcik, Kerianne Marston, Daniel Batyrbaev, and James Silay—have faced challenges in their training journeys, including injuries and busy schedules, while drawing motivation from the supportive CWRU community.
Kristyen Tomcik, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition, transformed his running journey from struggling to complete a mile in 2020 to preparing for his sixth marathon. He recently finished the TCS London Marathon in 3:09:52 and will run the Cleveland Half Marathon to pace a friend aiming for a sub-two-hour finish. For Tomcik, running embodies life lessons, teaching him about grit, patience, resilience, and community spirit, which became evident when he assisted fellow runners at the London race.
Kerianne Marston, the program manager for the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy, sees running as her lifeline amid life’s chaos. For the past 17 years, it has provided her clarity and presence. Dedicated to The Haven Home, she raises awareness through her marathon participation, often waking up early to prioritize her training. Marston finds that the persistence and discipline learned from running translate into her professional life, shaping her work with future nursing leaders.
Daniel Batyrbaev, a biomedical engineering student, shares an aspiration to complete an Ironman. His first marathon this weekend is a significant milestone for him. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities, Batyrbaev emphasizes the importance of persistence over perfection in achieving his goals. His marathon training has fostered mental resilience and a stronger appreciation for connections with others, made more meaningful by his involvement in CWRU’s running community.
James Silay, the director of Greek Life, turned to running to connect with his new Cleveland community when he relocated in 2021. For Silay, running serves as a meditative practice, helping him handle the stresses of daily life and support students. His commitment to the Cleveland Half Marathon aligns with his ongoing marathon preparations, despite recent challenges with an injury. He credits his supportive network as vital to his training success and encourages new runners to cultivate their own support systems.
Together, these runners exemplify how sport can cultivate resilience, community, and personal growth, inspiring others in their journeys. While each participant carries unique motivations into the race, they all illustrate the profound connection between running and the broader lessons of life.