Berlin Marathon - September 2019

Joanne’s first World Major Marathon was an exciting journey! After watching a video of the 2018 Berlin Marathon, she felt inspired and applied for the lottery. In her Facebook post, she shared, "I wonder if they have a three day time limit on this marathon because I would legit stop and look at every building along the way... Berlin is one of my most favorite places in the world! Run through the Brandenburg Gate?! I NEED to set this as a lifetime goal for myself lol!" To her delight, she got accepted. The race took place in September 2019, and she dreams of participating in other major events like the Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon in the future.

Growing up in NY, many years Joanne watched the New York City Marathon on television. She never pictured one day that could be her, but meeting a girl from New Jersey at a race in Arkansas changed her mind. The girl told Joanne about NYRR 9+1, which provides guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon for the next year if you run 9 NYRR races and volunteer at one NYRR approved event. Joanne then discovered that 2020 would be the 50th Anniversary race of the New York City Marathon, so she knew if she ever wanted to run in New York, this was the year to go for it! Although the 2020 NYC Marathon was canceled due to COVID-19, Joanne had the opportunity to run the race in 2021. After losing her dad a few months prior to the race, she ran with her father's photo attached to her shirt and famously held it up to the sky as she crossed the finish line, reminiscent of the emotional moments seen at other major marathons like the Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon.

Joanne completed the London Marathon in April 2025. After facing a trimalleolar ORIF injury, she returned to the sport, knowing this race would be a challenge. However, with London's incredible team and its back-of-the-pack friendly mentality, Joanne was able to walk the race, finishing in 10 hours and 24 minutes. It was her slowest marathon, yet the one she worked the hardest for and is most proud of! After years of applying without success in the lottery process for events like the Berlin Marathon and Chicago Marathon, she finally completed the London Marathon with an entry from Marathon Tours.

Joanne will be participating in this race in October 2025 as a St Jude Hero, joining the ranks of runners who take on major events like the Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon!

Joanne has not planned her entry into the Berlin Marathon yet. During Covid, she completed their virtual marathon, which reminded her of the experiences she had while participating in other major events like the Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon.

Joanne has not planned her entry into the Berlin Marathon or any other major races like the Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, or Tokyo Marathon yet. During Covid, she completed their virtual marathon.

Sydney was added as a WMM in 2024. Joanne has not planned entry into this race yet and will be focusing on the original six races, including the Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon, as her primary goal.