Tuscaloosa Runner, DCH Nurse Discusses Boston Marathon Finish

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Ann Besanceney took part in the second marathon of her running career over the weekend, but it would be far and away the most memorable yet as she was one of a select class of athletes to finish the 2021 Boston Marathon.

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Besanceney, a registered nurse at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, finished with a time of 3:23:41, averaging out to 7:47 a mile. Patch caught up with the wife, mother of four and former All-American track star at Michigan State University following her latest accomplishment to learn more about the experience.

"It was a tough, painful race most of the way but still persevered to the finish line," she told Patch on Tuesday. "The officials, volunteers and crowds were incredible. Everyone was friendly, helpful and supportive. The scream tunnel through Wellesley College...Wow. The students at Boston College were really loud, too."

Besanceney, 41, is a mother of four originally hailing from Ironwood, Michigan — a city with a population of roughly 5,000 in the state's Upper Peninsula. The first marathon she ever ran was the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, where she finished with a time of 2 hours, and 57 minutes.

The 2021 Boston Marathon was held Oct. 11, with runners taking on the world-famous 26-mile route for the first time in more than 900 days.

She went on to credit the crowd with helping her finish a difficult race, along with support of her husband, Chris. To make matters more challenging, though, Besanceney said achilles tendonitis set in about two months ahead of the 2021 Boston Marathon as she was training.

"My coach and I made adjustments to training along the way and I did the best I could," she explained. "Having good and bad days along the way."

Besanceney's tenacity, in tandem with changes to her training regimen, would result in a finish for the ages, coming it at 4,414 out of 15,374 competitors. In her age range, 40-44, she would place 194th out of 1,289 runners.

The 2021 installment also marked the fourth time another woman representing Tuscaloosa — Chihiro Nakai — competed in the Boston Marathon. The native of Japan would finish with a time of 3:19:25, coming in at No. 3,799. This represented Nakai's best time in her four Boston Marathon finishes.

In looking ahead after the big run, Besanceney said she is ready to rest and heal up before training for whatever her next challenge may be.

"The cold beers and burger for the post-race celebration were awesome, too!"

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