Boston journey inspires perseverance and community pride
Bethany Alt and her family
When Bethany Alt crossed the finish line at the 2025 Boston Marathon this past April, the clock read 3:31:30. But for Alt, the time was secondary to the journey that had led her there, a journey marked by personal growth, resilience and community support.
Alt grew up in Springfield, Illinois and attended school in nearby Chatham, developing deep family ties that would anchor her through life’s challenges.
“I had a typical childhood,” she said, highlighting her father’s career in finance and her mother’s dedication to running a home day care. With two younger sisters who dabbled in sports, Alt’s upbringing was filled with camaraderie and support.
Today, she lives in New Philadelphia with her husband and four daughters. As a teacher at Starlight School, she primarily teaches students with behavioral challenges and developmental disabilities.
Her journey into running began 26 years ago in a most unexpected way. Initially drawn to the sport while watching a friend, she accidentally joined her junior high cross country team instead of track. It was a moment that would shape her life.
“I stuck with it, and my times dropped significantly,” she said, emphasizing how persistence encouraged by her father helped forge her running identity.
In the years that followed, motherhood took center stage, and her ambition to qualify for the Boston Marathon slipped from her grasp. After having her second set of twins and later a fourth daughter, Alt took a five-year hiatus from running.
“During that time, I just did living-room workouts during naptime,” she said.
However, when her youngest was about 1 1/2 years old, the desire to run rekindled. To reinvigorate her interest, she signed up for the local Run for Home half marathon. “Having a goal gets me up in the morning,” she said.
Alt trained diligently, but even with her return to running, the shadows of doubt and insecurity loomed.
“I thought my chance at qualifying for Boston was over,” she said.
Completing the half marathon gave her the boost she needed, prompting her to set her sights on the Columbus Marathon in 2023, where she achieved the necessary time to qualify for Boston.
In preparation for the Boston race, Alt’s training required a balance between commitment and self-care.
“Once I qualified, I had to wait a year to register for Boston and ended up waiting a year and a half before I could run in it,” she said.
To maintain her fitness, she kept races on her schedule, and with the help of a friend, she increased her training from five to six days a week.
“Learning to run slower on recovery days was a significant lesson,” she said, adding she faced injuries throughout this cycle, nursing Achilles tendinitis during the months leading up to the race. These physical limitations taught her the importance of strategic planning for workouts.
Toward the culmination of her marathon training, running the Boston Marathon offered more than just a personal goal; it held historical significance.
“I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude while running,” she said.
Knowing not everyone has the privilege to compete in such a storied race inspired her to absorb every moment, remembering the small towns and the community that shaped the course.
Even amid struggles and physical pain, Alt cherishes the memories with family and friends who offered support along the way.
“Having my husband and kids, my mom and stepdad, and my dad and his wife there to cheer me on was special,” she said.
Seeing them around mile 6 gave her the extra push she needed when fatigued.
As she approached Heartbreak Hill, she reinforced the mantra, “I can do hard things,” wanting to set an example for her daughters. This sentiment encapsulates the heart of her running journey, a reminder that resilience often blooms in times of adversity.
With Boston now in her rearview mirror, Alt has set her sights on new goals. “I’m registered to run the Chicago Marathon this fall,” she said.