College Vice President Competes In Boston Marathon
(Press Release 04-24-07)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Eastern Oklahoma State College Vice-President of Finance, George Taylor, competed in the Boston Marathon for the fifth consecutive year April 16. He had the fourth fastest time of the nearly 50 participating Oklahomans, finishing the 26.2-mile race in 3 hours, 16 minutes and 23 seconds.

The Boston Marathon is known as the world's oldest marathon, taking place every year on the third Monday in April. This year there were 22,500 entrants from around the world who began the race ­– Taylor was the 2,785th runner to cross the finish line.

What does it take to prepare for an event such as the Boston Marathon? According to Taylor it takes a lot of hard work, adding that runners usually go through a 16 to 20-week training period that culminates in a 30-mile run.

“Marathon running has increased my perseverance as well as my ability to set goals and follow through on them,” Taylor replied when asked what he personally gains from the sport.

While Taylor has been there before, he said that each run tells a different story. This year he had to endure leg cramps on mile 23. However, along the way the runners received encouragement from the huge crowd and the women of Wellesley College, who were there to cheer them on and even offer kisses for luck.

For others who might be interested in participating in a future marathon, Taylor offered this advice “Never give up! You really have to be driven to complete something like this.”

“It is a great accomplishment to finish such a thing,” Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith said, congratulating Taylor on the achievement. “We [Eastern] are glad that he was able to do it and that he made it home safely.”