Running in the family

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This article was published 18/06/2023 (867 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 2023 Manitoba Marathon was a fun-filled family affair for many on Father’s Day.

At 9:46 a.m., 81-year-old Garry Bochinski completed his half marathon run. Bochinski’s time of 2:36:15 is memorable in its own right, however the memory of crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with his son, Rick, and grand-son, Michael, will probably mean more than his race time.

Rick said the experience of breaking the tape with three generations of family together on Father’s Day was something special.

“It was a great feeling. Michael will probably be a father some day. This is my favourite Fathers Day I have ever had, to be able to run with these two guys… off the charts.”

When he saw his father running nearly every morning, Rick thought a family run of this nature was possible but he didn’t want to pressure his father into doing it.

“ I didn’t want to push too hard,” said Rick. “Every morning this guy runs, so I knew he could finish, but I didn’t want to push ­— he’s 81. We’re all going to get there some day, but I mean it’s absolutely amazing.”

Garry has run full and half marathons throughout his life dating back to the second Manitoba Marathon, in 1980. While he still enjoyed going out for runs he had not entered a race in over a decade and had not entered a half marathon since the 1980s. But despite the hiatus, Garry remained confident that he, alongside his son and grand-son, could accomplish this feat.

“Well I guess with a lot of determination and perseverance, I probably thought it could be done, but I would say probably a few months back I was pretty sure that we could do it,” said Garry.

Garry’s grandson Michael was thrilled to be able to share the experience with his grandfather.

“It’s one of the best Fathers Days ever. I think it’s a gift to all three of us,” said Michael. “I hope I can run a kilometre at 81, nevermind half a marathon, it’s super special.”

The Bochinskis were not the only family to participate in the marathon. Meghan Storey, 42, also shared the race with her family by way of the relay.

“This is a family event (for us), we have been doing the relay for a number of years now. The first relay was over 15 years ago. We haven’t done it every year, but my dad has been the one that’s been instigating it over the years,” said Storey.

The relay team included Storey’s father, Lloyd Plett, her husband, Kenton, and for the first time her 12-year-old son, Corin. Storey said the family participation in the race is especially meaningful for her dad.

“It’s our way to show dad our support and he just loves it. It’s what brings joy to him and it brings joy to us,” said Storey.

Last but certainly not least is married couple Mark Timmons, 63, and Sharon Rogers, 53.

Timmons competed in the full marathon and his wife ran the half marathon. The chance to run and see each other at the finish line is not one the couple takes for granted.

“We’ve been running together for 12 years now,” said Timmons. “It’s fun to be able to share interests and meet at the finish line and you know there is just hugs everywhere, everyone is tired but everyone is happy.”

Rogers agreed with her husband, saying the marathon environment makes it a worthwhile experience

“It’s lovely… it’s a nice accomplishment, you can go for a run on your own but to be in an environment like this it’s like a celebration,” said Rogers.

Asked about what it means to participate in this event with her husband, Rogers answered, “Everything,” with a smile.

The couple also said the chance to run the same race as some of the best runners in the country is a unique experience.

“No one is going to go out and tee it up with Tiger Woods at the Masters, you know, but the average person can be in a field with the world record holder at the half marathon and you’re doing the exact same thing as they are,” said Timmons.

Rogers agreed saying, “It’s exciting to be in the same event as these elite runners I mean it’s awesome to see what they can do and that you’re running along behind them.”

The Manitoba Marathon and family is a wonderful combination.

donald.stewart@freepress.mb.ca