Schools

Calhoun Graduate to Run NYC Marathon

Tracy Koch, a Calhoun High School graduate and Hofstra coach, will have one of the "most exciting" weekends of her professional career.

Tracy Koch, a Calhoun High School graduate and Hofstra University's Assistant Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach, will run the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday.

The day before, she will assist at the 2013 Colonial Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships at Oregon Ridge Park in Hunt Valley, Md.

“It’s a big weekend, unlike one I have had before, and I am very excited,” the 25-year-old said. 

She said that she has not set a specific aim for Sunday.

"I really haven’t set a time goal since this is my first full marathon. But I do have the Boston Marathon qualifying time (3:30) in mind.”

Koch, who works at The Runner’s Edge Store in Farmingdale, has been training with the Hofstra teams and will be running the marathon with The Runner’s Edge team, which she has also trained.

She prepared for the marathon by running the Paine-to-Pain Trail 1/2 Marathon, a five park connected trail race that winds through Westchester County, in September. 

Her time of 1:46:07 allowed her to finish second in her 16-29 age group, eighth in the women’s division, and 96th of 638 total runners.

She said that one of the things that will keep her motivated during the marathon is the encouragement of family and friends. 

“I have received great support from my family and friends including the Hofstra team and the Runner’s Edge team,” Koch said. “I am truly grateful for their love and support.”


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