The UW Endurance Club’s journey to the UW Medicine Seattle Marathon
This year, the Whole U’s UW Endurance Club took participants on an inspiring and enriching journey leading up to the Seattle Half and Full Marathon. Together, we built a vibrant community of runners, walkers and supporters, united by our shared goals of fitness, camaraderie and perseverance.
Let’s look back at the memorable experiences and opportunities that defined our club’s journey.
Lauren Updyke with Anna Tegelberg, Assistant Director of The Whole U after completing the 2023 Seattle Marathon with the UW Endurance Club
Training plans for all levels
Our training journey began in August with The Whole U’s 16-week training plans tailored for various fitness levels and goals. Participants chose from plans designed for half and full marathon walkers and runners of all levels.
The plans were expertly crafted by Lauren Updyke, MS ACSM HFI, Executive Director for Employee Experience and UWHR Chief Wellness Officer. With over 20 years of experience in health and wellness, Lauren brings a unique blend of expertise as a marathon athlete and trainer, strength enthusiast and advocate for employee well-being.
Those who joined after the start of August received personalized support from Lauren to adjust their plans and stay on track.
Expert-led seminars and onsite run clinics
Throughout the season, The Whole U hosted a series of engaging webinars for the UW Endurance Club led by experts from UW Medicine. These sessions, which you can tune into on The Whole U’s YouTube, provided invaluable insights into various aspects of endurance training:
Core and Spine Health: Dr. Sean Matsuwaka and Dr. Maggie Catlin emphasized the importance of core and spine strength for injury prevention and improved performance.
Mental Fortitude: Dr. Sara Chrisman shared strategies for building mental resilience, managing stress and overcoming mental barriers.
Running the Distance – Safety, Endurance and Inspiration: Dr. Mark Harrast offered safety tips and shared motivational stories from his experiences as a marathoner and medical director for the Seattle Marathon.
Injury Prevention: Randy Gladwish, PT, provided practical advice on preventing injuries and maintaining peak physical condition.
Mastering Endurance with Elite Runners: Professional runner Sam Prakel shared his insights into training, injury prevention and the mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels.
Club members also had the opportunity to attend in-person run clinics with coach Aaliyah Earvin, a local fitness and run coach. These monthly sessions focused on improving running form, building strength and fostering a sense of community among participants. The clinics were a hit, with members walking away inspired and equipped with new skills.
Aaliyah Earvin instructing run clinic participants
UW run clinic participants warming up with stretches
Race day support and savings
Supporting our community extended beyond training. On race day, UW volunteers staffed a water and cheer station on Seattle campus’ Rainier Vista, providing encouragement and refreshment to participants. These efforts embodied the spirit of teamwork and mutual support that defined our club.
Club members enjoyed a special 10% discount on Seattle Marathon events, making it easier for participants to join the December races. This benefit extended to UW faculty, staff and students. The discount is still active, and you can join the Seattle Marathon for their summer series.
The Whole U water station volunteers on race day
Stories of success
Thumbs up from Sebastian Ky, Event Specialist, Employee Experience, UWHR racing the half marathon
One of the highlights was hearing the incredible stories and feedback from our participants:
“The running clinics by Drumheller Fountain were fun and helpful! The training guide was also really useful. It’s been great having opportunities to learn more about endurance sports with a group.”
– Susan Cameron, Administrator, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
“The half marathon program was exactly what I needed to get back into running after having a baby. By the end, I was really pushing myself, but it felt like I had the right base and training to get there. It gave me my love of running back!”
– Emily, Health Economics & Outcomes Research
“As an engineer, I found it helpful to have a checklist for what runs needed to be completed on which days. This took the guesswork out of getting in shape for the big race. Crossing the finish line, I knew I had given it my all and was thrilled with how my hard work paid off.”
– Cole DeForest, Weyerhaeuser Endowed Professor & Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Department of Chemical Engineering
“Volunteering was fun! Cheering on the runners and perfecting the water cup transfer was a highlight of my morning.”
– Kyle Dickison, Facilities Manager, ECE
“The training plan was amazing. Lauren was so helpful, giving just the right information at the right time. My colleague and I would never have considered doing the marathon without the Endurance Club!” – Sapna Cheryan, Professor, Psychology
“The program reignited my love for long-distance running. Starting off, even 6-8 miles felt difficult, but after enough training, I found joy in 14-16 mile runs. The race was amazing, with incredible people and so much cheering along the way.”
– Chris Ayala, Clinical Social Worker, Inpatient Med/Surg
“Volunteering was great! The energy from the runners and seeing their smiles and appreciation for our cheering and water station was incredibly uplifting.” – Travis Hyde, Operations Manager, Disability Resources for Students
This year, the UW Endurance Club was honored to be featured on KOMO News’ Seattle Refined, where we shared our mission, training experiences and the incredible sense of community that defines our group. Watch the interview here.
Mary Duncan at the finish line!
In the interview, you’ll meet Mary Duncan, Associate Director for Health System Philanthropy at UW Medicine. Mary joined the UW Endurance Club with a goal of completing the Seattle Half Marathon after being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this past year. Halfway through training, Mary shared with us why she joined the club:
“I really wanted/needed a future challenge for getting fit – partly for my physical health, but also for my mental health. I joined the UW Endurance club with the goal of walking the half marathon. I had a bit of a set-back in training when I went through 5 weeks of radiation in August, but now I feel good and am back to it!
I really have to say that the UW has been more than supportive throughout my diagnosis and treatment and having a training goal through the UW Endurance Club and The Whole U has really motivated me to get up and get moving.”
Congratulations are in order for Mary, and all our walkers and runners. Mary smashed her goal and completed the Seattle Half Marathon!
These personal stories underscore the power of community and shared goals in helping individuals achieve their aspirations.
Looking ahead with strength
As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we celebrate the progress and connections made by our participants.
The UW Endurance Club has proven that training for a marathon is about more than physical preparation—it’s about building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires one another. We look forward to many more miles and memories in the years to come!
UW Medicine partners leading the way
In addition to being the title sponsor of the Seattle Marathon, UW Medicine sponsors the UW Endurance Club making our events and activities possible. But that’s not all, UW Medicine healthcare providers are the heart of the race as the medical team.
Led by Dr. Mark Harrast, a UW Medicine sports medicine physician who has been the event’s medical director for 15 years, is a team of physicians, nurses, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, medical assistants and techs, students and administrative staff keeping all race participants healthy and safe.
2024 UW Medicine medical team