Inspirational Stories

Tom Huberty had already overcome so much when he arrived at the start line of the 2018 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. Huberty is in the Charter Club. He has completed every Twin Cities Marathon.

Huberty spent the first six months of 2018 going through seven rounds of chemotherapy treatments for prostate cancer, having learned the cancer, first diagnosed in 2005, had advanced into his liver.

Huberty worked through treatments, despite the fatigue, to prepare him for the marathon. He credits his long history of fitness -- 100 marathons in 32 states -- for his ability to stay active while going through chemotherapy. His determination paid off and he completed the race in 6:14:21. Keeping with tradition, he met his wife near the 17 1/2-mile mark -- at East 32nd Street and West River Parkway near their home.

Dianna Sorenson felt pretty good after finishing the TC 10 Mile on October 3, 2004. She retained her membership in the group of runners who had run every Medtronic TC 10 Mile since the first in 1999.

The day after the race, her life changed forever. On October 4, Dianna was hit by a drunk driver who was in a high-speed chase with the police. What followed was 23 surgeries and eight years of rehabilitation for a traumatic brain injury.

Despite not being able to see or walk and encountering significant speech issues, Dianna fought back and turned her tragedy into triumph, even walking one year when her surgeon wouldn’t let her run. Today, she can proudly say she’s still completed every Medtronic TC 10 Mile and looks forward to keeping this status well into the future.

Nicole and her future husband Tim ran the 2000 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon as part of an extended first date. Sadly in the fall of 2016, Nicole lost Tim to a sudden heart attack. As a means of remembering and healing, Nicole returned to the marathon in 2017, cheered on by friends and family, including her children. Before the race, Nicole shared the story of her journey in this episode of Move. Together., Twin Cities In Motion's podcast.

Craig Henkel was in a horrific auto accident in September 2015 that left him with numerous long-term complications. Less than a year later, his older Brad learned he had a cancerous brain tumor. Still, the two ran and finished together at the 2017 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon because they felt “blessed to have the opportunity to complete a physical obstacle like a marathon, when many others do not.”

Dorothy Marden is the 80-year-old mother of a family that had three generations of women running at the 2017 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend. Dorothy, a long-time marathoner, ran the 10 mile. One daughter, Juliana Sayner, ran the marathon while another, Hilary Marden-Resnik, ran the 10 mile. Granddaughter Emma Sayner finished her first marathon at the race, while her sister Hannah ran the 10 mile.

For Brent Silkey, finishing the 2014 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon was only the start of a 78.6 mile day of activity designed to raise funds to build clean-water drinking wells in sub-Saharan Africa. Brent ran the marathon, then covered another 26.2 miles on an elliptical machine followed by 26.2 more on an exercise bike. His family raised $10,000 for World Serve International and the youth group he led raised another $70,000! 

What is he up to now? On his 30th birthday, he started a movement: he ran 30 miles, raised money, and launched 30 for Freedom.

Stephanie Garrett started her career as a runner by getting up from her couch. In 2011, she made “learn to run” her New Year’s resolution and started a “couch to 5K” training program with her husband Chad. Since an initial, painful 30-second treadmill run and more than 80 pounds of lost weight, she has become a marathoner!

What is she up to now? Stephanie is a four-time Medtronic Twin Cities Marathoner and signed up for 2017's event!

At the start line of the 2015 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Dave Baker faced the challenge common to his fellow marathoners: the 26.2 miles between downtown Minneapolis and the State Capitol in St. Paul. Beforehand, Baker faced the additional challenges of being homeless and suffering from Huntington’s disease. Baker, a member of the Mile in My Shoes running program for the homeless, prevailed in the race, finishing marathon in 4:16:50.

What is he up to now? Dave is a beloved member of many community wellness groups such as Mile in My Shoes and November Project!