It has been six years since the inaugural event, and in that time the ACE Marathon has developed into a strong tradition, bringing together, ACE friends and family for the good of Catholic education. The commitment and dedication of the greater ACE community to this event is inspirational! Not only are ACErs full-time first and second year teachers, but they are also completing coursework for their Master's degree and many are training for a marathon! After the first marathon in Los Angeles this tradition continues to flourish and has become another reason for ACE teachers to compound their energy and serve Catholic schools.
This year the ACE Marathon joined the Cow Town Marathon in Fort Worth, TX. Over one hundred ACE teachers, friends and family came to this event to run and support Catholic education. Even ACE alumni, Phil Autrey (ACE 2) and Kevin Burke (ACE 9), made the trek to Fort Worth to run in the event. Approximately 20 teachers spent their valuable weekend time training to run the full marathon, and almost 30 teachers trained for the half-marathon. Other participants joined the relay, 10K and 5K runs to show their support. Marshall Davidson (ACE 12) had such an Adrenaline rush that he completed a full marathon after having only trained for the half-marathon!
Each year a committee of ACE teachers plan the ACE Marathon and decide what schools in the program will be the focus of their fundraising efforts. This year Guardian Angels School in Denver, Colorado and All Saints School in Fort Worth, TX were the target schools. All Saints School was of particular interest to Paty Salazar (ACE 13) who attended this school when she was younger and had Colleen Knight-Santoni (ACE 4) as a teacher.
The weekend began with a Mass at St. George’s Catholic Church and a pasta dinner hosted by the Notre Dame Alumni Association in the Fort Worth area. Many ACE alumni came to the Mass and dinner to show their support for the runners and their efforts.
Saturday was the BIG DAY as ACE teachers, friends and family gathering in downtown Fort Worth, excitedly anticipating the culmination of their months of training. The sense of community was not only felt by those who were part of the ACE community, but others on the marathon trail noticed the energy that was permeating through the crowd. As a group of ACE teachers, all wearing this year’s bright red running jerseys, cheered on the marathoners a man running by shouted, “Are you guys part of that group of teachers? You guys are EVERYWHERE!” The energy felt in the ACE community was indeed everywhere as current ACE teachers, alumni, friends and family joined their efforts to run for Catholic schools.
The closing Mass was hosted by All Saints School and Paty Salazar (ACE 13) was able to say a word of gratitude to her classmates for support that school that she attended. It was truly an inspiring event! If you are interested in joining the ACE Marathon for next year, please contact the ACE Office and they will put you in touch with the Marathon committee members.