Meachams smash personal bests at Kenosha

Big smiles from Denise and
Randy after personal bests.

It was a big day for the Rank Strangers at the Wisconsin Marathon this morning, with veterans Randy and Denise Meacham setting personal best and Randy qualifying for 2013 Boston.  


It was Randy's fourth-straight personal best, 3:26:34, in his 44th marathon.  His target was 3 hours and 30 minutes to qualify for the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Denise ran a personal best 3:49:53, one year after breaking four hours for the first time on the same course,  3:55:49.  Today's was her 26th marathon.


Rank Stranger Renee Roux ran the half marathon today; she and spectator Eric were able to give the Meachams encouragement on the course.

Randy at mile 14

Before the race Randy described today's race as "my first serious attempt to qualify for Boston. Two years ago I started on a journey to get in the best shape of my life, to break a personal record that I set 10 years ago, and to ultimately qualify for the Boston Marathon."


Randy broke that long-standing record in last year's Kenosha race. "To reach these goals I started an intense program that included running more miles and shedding 14 pounds of body weight," he added.

Randy's recent record-breaking run:

1. Wisconsin Marathon (Kenosha) May, 2011 3:35:05

2. Chicago Marathon, October, 2011, 3:33:17

3. Lost Dutchman (Arizona), February, 2012, 3:33:03

4. Wisconsin Marathon (Kenosha), May, 2012, 3:26:34

Randy's year in the Madison-Chicago relay were 2006, 2007, 2009.  Denise ran in 2007 and 2009.

Next up for the Meachams is the Chicago Marathon in October and then Frankfurt, Germany at the end of October. 

Denise sheds her water belt at mile 18.5