Marathoners march on

Stories by Bob Timmons , robert.timmons@startribune.com • Photographs by LIZ FLORES, elizabeth.flores@startribune.com

Without question, this weekend will lack an energy and electricity held in the hearts and minds of generations of Minnesotans excited for another Twin Cities Marathon. Until this year — and COVID-19 — it was 38 years and counting for the storied event. The Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, the River Roads, the Capitol grounds in St. Paul — they won't have that Marathon Sunday look and feel.

While expected, the decision in late June to convert the 39th TCM to a virtual format was difficult for the organizers, too, but they've been lifted by the response of many runners. More than 3,000 are registered for the marathon, including 400 who signed up after the change. More than 5,000 more are signed up for the other distances, from the TC 10 Mile to the 5K.

"The spirit of marathoners never ceases to amaze me," said Twin Cities in Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "I've witnessed runners overcoming lots of obstacles during my years at Twin Cities In Motion, and I'm impressed with how runners are making something new and special out of their virtual races this year."

Still, traits that are elemental to running — grit, confidence, focus — are burning bright this week and through October as runners take different routes to a distinction that remains: marathon finisher.

Here are some of their stories:

One way or the other, keeping running streaks alive

Arbisi is treating Sunday as all the other TCM race days since 1982. He'll do the route, hitting sidewalks if necessary before a stretch of path along the Chain of Lakes and toward the River Roads. It's manageable.

"Damn straight," he said, of sticking to the course.

His family and friends will be out, well-acquainted with where to get to and when, in support.

Arbisi said his training cycle has taken on a different milieu this year, he said, knowing he won't have other runners or spectators to draw energy from. Too, at 65, he finds himself running alone most of the time anyway. Add them to the long list of other challenges they've all met in getting to the start line over 39 years.

In a first since the pandemic began, Arbisi ran in an organized event Sept. 19, the Trail Loppet in Theodore Wirth Park. It, too, has been part of his fall routine. He recognized its importance amid a pandemic that shows little sign of releasing its grip anytime soon.

"We have lived through an unprecedented year on multiple levels, and to maintain that rhythm is important for me. I think it is just that I am committed to doing it. For me, and not necessarily anybody else, it's something that works."

Another charter member, Croft, credits her late husband with starting her streak — he suggested she try the TCM. This year, she considered running part of the course, but now plans to stick closer to home. She'll run Friday with her boyfriend on a half-marathon course, doing an out-and-back from downtown Stillwater. One of her regrets will be missing one of the marathon's grand payoffs: Arriving at the Cathedral of St. Paul, within a mile of the finish, a phalanx of cheering spectators and the finish at the Capitol dead ahead. Another marathon completed.

This is her second virtual marathon this year. She did Grandma's, too, over the summer. "I felt sorry for the people at [Twin Cities in Motion] because I know it was a hard decision."

Croft, who said she runs at least four marathons a year, has no plans to end her streak. "I am just trying to keep going as long as I can," said Croft, who has finished more than 200 marathons. "I am determined to go until next year, the 40th Twin Cities, and then maybe I can hang it up. Who knows?"

Knight planned to run Thursday in Carver Park Reserve. Moving safely, off the roads, was a priority. He said he looked forward to a different route and feel away from the hustle of a traditional marathon day. Quieter. Meditative. Maybe even a little more relaxing — even at 26-plus miles.

He's also embraced this year's void as an opportunity to run differently. He might be one of the youngest remaining charter members at 59, and has no intention of quitting. Knight said training alterations are key if he's to keep his streak humming, attitude being among them.

Knight has enjoyed the benefits this season of a walk-run regimen, knowing so much of the marathon tests the mind more than the body after several hours. On a 10-mile run, he'll walk for 30-second intervals each of the last five miles, giving him a lot more energy toward the end.

He said he looked forward to reflecting Thursday in the beauty of the Carver reserve on his great TCM memories and people who have supported the charter members.