Six Former Huskies Run Boston Marathon

BOSTON – Six former Michigan Tech cross country student-athletes completed the Boston Marathon on Monday (Apr. 21). Over 35,000 runners started the 118th annual race, the second highest number in the race's history.

"Our program is excited that these athletes have continued their running passion after they have left Houghton and were able to take advantage of the opportunity to be part in the spectacle that is the Boston Marathon," Tech cross country coach Joe Haggenmiller said. 

"I'd like to give them a big pat on the back for conquering the marathon distance, and we wish each of them many more triumphs on the race course and in life."

Nick Bedbury was the top former Husky, finishing 285th overall. His time of 2 hours, 38 minutes and 45 seconds ranked him the 259th male and 224th in his division. Bedbury, 25, currently resides in Syracuse, NY, and ran 6:04 per mile. He lettered for the Huskies from 2009-11.

Thomas Edward King Jr., who ran for Tech from 2004-07, crossed the finish line in 2:51.19 to place 1,062nd. He was 796th in his division and the 1,008th male with a pace of 6:32. King is 28 and lives in Manton, Mich.

Kevin Bence finished in 3:05:08. He was the 3,240th finisher and ranked 2,049th in his division. Bence, 25, lives in Waukesha, Wis., and ran a pace of 7:04. He lettered at Tech from 2006-08.

Sydney Bruestle was the 283rd female to finish with a time of 3:07:50. Her pace of 7:10 placed her 237th in her division and 3,715 overall. Bruestle, 23, resides in Allston, Mass. She lettered for the Huskies from 2008-11.

Liz Quinley was also in the top 1,000 females to finish. Her time of 3:20:43 placed her 782nd in her division. Quinley, 26, lives in Tucson, Ariz., and ran a 7:40 pace. She lettered for Tech from 2005-06 and 2008-09.

Allison Umbarger (formerly Allison Springer-Wilson) from Appleton, Wis., finished with a time of 3:43:49. She was the 4,328th female and 13,563rd overall. Umbarger, 25, ran 8:33 per mile. She lettered for the Huskies during the 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Meb Keflezighi was the overall winner in 2:08:37. He became the first American to win the world's oldest annual marathon in 31 years.