08/13/2025
Meet Karen, a marathon trailblazer whose relentless drive and infectious spirit light up every race! 🏃♀️ As a 2020 Olympic Trials qualifier and the first American woman to cross the finish line at the 2015 London Marathon, Karen’s journey is a masterclass in grit and grace. 👟Lacing up her Asics Metaspeed Edges for race day, she charges through miles with her trusty sports bra—complete with a back pocket for stashing a water bottle, keeping her hands free for the long haul. Whether running in silence to find her rhythm or vibing to Eminem, Taylor Swift, or a nostalgic mix of 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits, Karen’s focus is unbreakable.
Karen pushes through summer’s heat knowing the training always pays off—though she’s not a fan of the sweltering humidity. This year, she’s dominated the Masters World Indoor Track & Field Championship (bronze in the 3,000m, gold as a 10k team-scoring member), set a PR at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon, snagged runner-up at the Masters National 10k Championship with another PR, and took second place among masters at the Boilermaker 15K. She also crushed local favorites like the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge, The Delightful Run for Women 5K, The Kinderhook OK 5K, and Firecracker4-Miler. Next up? The Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon, The Stockade-athon, and California International Marathon, where she’s chasing new challenges and faster times.
Karen’s support crew keeps her soaring: her Fleet Feet teammates, a younger crew who keep her sharp and make every run a blast; her husband, Mike, who helps balance work, life, and running; her parents, who never miss a big race; and the 518 running community, whose cheers fuel her fire. Her mission? To push her limits, have fun, and inspire younger runners to chase their dreams. Post-race, she celebrates with pancakes, eggs, and a latte—pure victory fuel! 🥞☕ Join Karen at the Mohawk Hudson Half Marathon on October 12th, where her unstoppable energy will inspire you to lace up and run! 🏅
