Setting goals. It’s something that we learn at a young age. We’re encouraged by coaches, teachers, parents, and grandparents to set a goal and then told to work hard to achieve it. It’s a skill and a mindset that applies not only to physical challenges but to personal and professional ones as well.

For avid runners Pete and Kelsey Gratien, the leaders of Daemen’s cross country/track and field program, the goal has long been to compete in the greatest running event in America – the Boston Marathon. To do it together, would be the proverbial icing on the cake.

Of course, they had each run marathons before. But, Boston? That would surely be different for the couple whose relationship blossomed while competing as members of the cross country team at Le Moyne College.

“Running Boston is a pilgrimage for all runners at some point,” Pete said. “We actually planned on running Boston a year or two earlier, but one or both of us ended up being injured at the time we would have needed to run a qualifying marathon. This year, we dialed training back a little bit to stay healthy and make sure we made it to the starting line.”

Not only did they make it to the starting line in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, but they both made it to the finish line some 26.2 miles away on Boylston Street with their children Ruth, Molly, and Ryan cheering along the way. Pete finished in 2:54:01, while Kelsey crossed the finish line in 3:21:50.

“The experience was amazing,” Pete said. “The crowds of spectators were unbelievable. There were over 500,000 people who came out to cheer, which is incredibly helpful in distracting you from the pain.”

“Running Boston is a bucket list item that we really wanted to do at some point,” Kelsey said. “The city makes the event such a huge celebration of running, and it was great to be a part of it with Pete and my kids.”

Whether it’s with their Daemen student-athletes, the runners they work with as part of their club, Snyder Track & Field, or with their children, the Gratiens hope their passion for running can serve as an inspiration for others and highlight the lifelong benefits of running.

“In high school and college, you’re always achieving something. Completing credits, progressing toward graduation, or just making it through a semester. But once you’re out of that, it’s harder to find progress. Running can provide that for people, whether it’s completing a certain distance or winning a race,” Kelsey said.

Her husband echoed that sentiment. “Running is unique in that there are plenty of opportunities to train, be a part of a team, and compete for decades after high school and college,” Pete said. “I think it’s important to keep setting goals in life and to feel like you are achieving something. Running is a great way to fill that need.”