First Marathon Buddy Program Athlete Spotlight: Meet Jill!

Jill is one of the many first-time marathoners who have joined the First Marathon Buddy Program! Jill recently ran her first marathon at the Coastal Delaware Running Festival in 2026.

Q: What's your favorite race you've ever run?

A: My favorite race I’ve run is the Gritty 5K. It’s a charity race for the Philadelphia Flyers and it’s all for fun! Gritty is our mascot and he goofs around. There are different spots along the race where he and volunteers are spraying silly string, water blasters, a limbo station, spots to dance your way through, etc.

Q: What is your favorite running memory?

A: My favorite running memory was the Glow 5K I did on New Year’s Eve. My daughter did the 2-mile walk/run, and we ended up at the same place when I had about 0.75 miles left. I did a walk/run with her for the rest of the race and it was so special to cross the finish line holding her hand!

Q: What is your favorite running mantra?

A: “She believed she could so she did.” (This has always been one of my life mantras, and I actually saw a picture of Wonder Woman with this saying in an art gallery window the night before my marathon.)

Q: What do you enjoy most about running and/or the running community?

A: I love how I feel during and after runs. I have lost 125 pounds (and maintained that loss) over the past 2 years, so I need to see what my body can do.

Q: Why did you join the First Marathon Buddy Program?

A: I hoped it would help me feel more prepared for my first (and future) marathons. I would also love to help others through their experiences!

Q: What are your current running goals?

A: I’m hoping to run a sub-2 hour half, a sub-4 hour marathon, and eventually qualify for Boston!

Fun Fact: I started my new life on my 40th birthday and ran my first marathon on my 42nd birthday!

Follow Jill's journey on Instagram: @unstoppable.jill

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