About Ray

In 2002, I turned 40 and noticed an article in a local newsletter to “train for a marathon in Dublin”.

Ray runs 2008 Delaware Distance Classic 15K

I had never jogged more than 3 miles, but the offer included a coach and teammates to run with. It helped that the Arthritis Foundation “Joints in Motion”  coach was attractive and that we’d do training runs at a park near my home! In exchange for fundraising, the trip to Ireland would be included.

I ran in honor of my father, who was having a shoulder replacement due to severe arthritis. Never having been involved in organized athletics (including high school sports teams or even little league baseball), I was excited to be a real athlete and have the camaraderie of teammates.

Marathon Man catches the running bug
I started a website called Marathon Man to chronicle my training and to support my fundraising efforts.  The experience changed my life, improving my fitness as well as my self-confidence.  I knew I’d continue running and was lucky to “run into” a newly forming training group being started by the local running club.

As of summer 2009, I’ve run 16 marathons and am now President of Pike Creek Valley Running Club.  Every Thursday for the past 6 years, I do a group run and dinner with the Rebel Runners of Delaware.  I became self-employed (web designer) so I could fit work around my running.

There are so many physical and mental health benefits to our sport that I enjoy encouraging others to get involved.  I hope you’ll consider commenting on this blog or adding your personal or club profile to the Running My Races website.

Run Safely!
Ray Christensen

Ray's finisher medals