2005 Freep Marathon First Timers
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Since 1999, first time marathoners at the Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Bank Marathon have become affectionately known as "The Greenies".    Their bright green bib numbers enable spectators and other runners to acknowledge their efforts.   First timers never forget their initial attempt even when they run many more. It's an amazing accomplishment. Here are a few stories from some of our first time entrants.

Bobbi Ebsen , 34, Ann Arbor: Has been running for ten years and didn't think she could do a marathon because hip problems kept her from getting in the miles.   The Internet led her to coach Kathleen Gina who teaches a marathon class in Ann Arbor.   She signed up just to learn how to stay injury free.   According to Ebson, " After my first Saturday run with the group I was hooked. I met some of the funniest, zaniest people and we laughed our asses off during our runs."   She picked Detroit so she could look forward to running over the Ambassador Bridge.

Ebsen is a self-described running / endorphin junkie.   She likes running in all conditions, especially the rain.   She played collegiate basketball but calls running the heroin of athletics. Friends and running co-workers have witnessed her preparation with awe while family members think she is a bit crazy. They all hope she reaches her goal of finishing under five hours.   Ebsen has also found running to be a good place to meet single men who are in shape, disciplined and responsible.

Alicia Mead , 26, Gladwin: Calls her sister-in-law at 6:30 am so they can run together before their husbands head off to work.   "It's been so much fun, talking and encouraging each other, as well as keeping the two of us moving at a good pace, said Mead. She loves the adrenalin rush of training to better her time at races, especially the Crim in Flint.   "My husband thinks it's great and would join me if our three kids were old enough to leave alone in the morning. I can't wait." Friends and family have helped out during her long runs. " I'm praying that I stay healthy by working out and eating right which will hopefully make me a better wife, mom and friend with enough energy to pass along to those around me."

Daniel Kavetsky , 61, Westland: Was inspired by a church member who ran the marathon to raise money for St. Vincent De Paul Society. "He was 55 and made me think that it wasn't too late for me to give it a try," said Kavetsky. He was born and raised in Detroit and works as a social worker for the Detroit Public Schools. He has collect over $1000 for Hurricane Katrina relief and other charities to help keep him motivated. Kavetsky said its been a lot of hard work preparing for the marathon but believes that crossing the finish line on Ford Field will be worth it. "I have a tendency to start too fast so my wife told me to remind myself on race day that, you're the turtle."

Stephanie De Vries , 40, Grand Rapids: Ran the 25km River Bank Run in May and needed a running goal to keep her motivated during the summer. Two other co-workers were hitting age milestones, age 30 and 50. All three have been training for their first marathon. Work and family life distracted her from continuing running after high school. Watching a friend finish the 25km three years ago made her realize how much she missed running. She has now found a wonderful group of women who are also planning to run the marathon. "I love the way running has the ability to clear my mind and relieve stress. It is also incredible to watch the sky get light and change colors as the sun rises. It's my favorite time of day."

Road Runner Classic revival : The race is back in a different format, put on by the Northville RoadRunners (formally Redford RR). It's now an 8km in Maybury State Park as a fundraiser for the facility. Race time 10 a.m. this Saturday. Call Peg Campbell at 248 348-4246 or email: [email protected]

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226