MORE THAN A MARATHON

If there is one person that could serve as the poster child for the Eye-Q Two Cities Marathon and Half, it’s Kelly Irwin.

Irwin arrived when the race first kicked off in 2002 and has witnessed the event develop as Eye-Q Vision Care will help get things going again November sixth.

The spunky 46-year-old is a running enthusiast filled with positive energy and as a result of her own running success is now a mentor for beginning runners.

“I love when somebody thinks they can never do something like run a marathon and then they accomplish it,” Irwin said. “It is the best thing in the world.”

As a mentor, she is responsible for helping to create training to get newcomers and even some returnees into marathon shape, while also providing constant encouragement and support along the way.

Irwin is part of a running group called MASH, which stands for Medical Aid Supplying Hope. The group was created to introduce the community to Medical Ministries International, a local non-profit organization that donates medical supplies and equipment to underprivileged clinics and hospitals.

The MASH Runners train and compete as a team to raise awareness and also provide an outlet for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“We come together to encourage each other and at the same time get in shape,” Irwin said.

Irwin and the other mentors belonging to MASH work as one to prepare a training schedule for members of the group in hopes it will prepare them for the 26.3-mile race.

While nothing is mandatory, most members meet every Saturday to do the longer workouts. Most recently the group collected themselves in Northeast Fresno to do a 20-mile run.

But more than just the physical training is the mental preparation key to any runners success. This is where Irwin plays a vital role in the development of so many runners.

“It’s just so neat to watch someone finish something they could never have imagined doing a year prior,” Irwin said.

Acting as a motivator is a huge role of any mentor, but for Irwin the role is to be a leader that also helps runners who may get injured along the way.

Whether it comes in the form of assisting an individual through in cross-training workouts or simply providing an ear to listen, she is the go-to person.

And while in many ways beginners look to her for words of encouragement, her own journey to becoming a marathon runner serves as an inspiration because she developed the passion later than most.

Close to 17 years ago did Irwin begin to go on small runs with a neighbor. After years of recreational running she found herself preparing to run the first Eye Q Two Cities Marathon in 2000.

“Every year I think the race has improved so much,” Irwin said. “They have added expos and entertainment along the course. It is as good as any race I’ve run out of town.”

As a result of the race’s developing success Irwin and her group have participated in the marathon or half every year it’s been in Fresno except one.

And while the race has grown leaps and bounds, so has Irwin’s running career as she has jumped from being a recreational runner to a fierce competitor.

She has competed in races such as the Nike Women’s, the San Diego Rock and Roll, Surf City, and Long Beach marathons.

“I love to run, but I’m not a great runner,” Irwin said. “I can run long not very fast, but I enjoy it so much.”

Right now, Irwin’s best half marathon time is around two hours.

However, in order to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon she must maintain that pace for an entire marathon and run under four hours to qualify.

And although the time may seem unrealistic at times, it is still the ultimate goal and dream to make it.

“I would love to qualify for Boston,” Irwin said. “I’m going to try every time I go out there.”

Boston may be the dream, but more importantly does Irwin hope her running career is able to last the rest of her life.

Having been in the running environment for quite some time, she claims to see a different in attitude and overall quality of life for the people that maintain a high level of physical activity.

“I want to run as long as I possibly can,” Irwin said. “I see the people in their 70s and 80s out there and they just look so young, fit, vibrant, and so happy.”

For more information on the race, go to runfresno.com.

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