By Ryne Turke
An Illinois College graduate and former Jacksonville resident has qualified to compete in the world’s oldest marathon.
The Boston Marathon is a race unlike any other. The yearly event, home to several world records and more than 500,000 spectators, will feature 24,000 runners on Patriots’ Day next year.
On that list of runners is Jon Valuck, 37, who says the goal of any competitive runner is to take part in the Boston Marathon. Valuck says being selected to the field is a true honor.
“It’s crazy to think not too long ago I was struggling to run a mile on the Fitness World treadmills and now I have this incredible opportunity in front of me. This is the big one, a race I’ve dreamt of being in. It’s just a surreal feeling.”
Valuck’s road to the Boston Marathon is a bit unconventional from normal long distance runners.
“My first major race was the Illinois Champaign Half Marathon back in 2018. Most people start with shorter races like a 5K, but I was focused on finishing a long race. I’ve kind of been off and running, literally and figuratively, ever since.”
In the early 2020’s it was almost a guarantee to see Valuck competing and earning medals in every race hosted in the Jacksonville area.
“The Jacksonville Memorial 5K and Fourth of July 5K were all instrumental in helping me build speed to become a better, faster and more confident runner.”
It was in 2022, after impressive performances at the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon and Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, that Valuck started to believe the Boston Marathon was a real possibility.
Valuck made the jump from casual to serious runner, logging 460 hours of total cardio in 2023 and developing a specialized training regimen.
“Running is my passion. Some days are tougher than others, but to reach my goals, I have to stay committed. Typically I’m running up to 75 miles a week and mixing in some additional workouts when necessary.”
Needing to finish under 2:58:09 to qualify for Boston, Valuck achieved his goal at the Chicago Marathon, clocking in at an average pace of 6:45 minutes per mile for the 26.2 mile race.
Now a resident of Chatham, Valuck says he wouldn’t be heading to Boston without an incredible support group.
“I’ve met some amazing people who’ve pushed me to do things I never thought possible. The Jacksonville Run Club, the Shiner Bock Racing Club and Coach Henry Janssen have been there every mile with me and I can’t thank them enough.”
As for what to expect in Boston, Valuck knows it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I’m not taking this race for granted. I’ll remember every moment. The crowd, the runners, the course, every second is going to be special. I can’t wait for that bolt of adrenaline once I hit the starting line.”
With Chicago under his belt and Boston soon to follow, Valuck will have earned medals from two of the six World Marathon Majors, with New York, Tokyo, London and Berlin still remaining.
Valuck will soon begin an 18-week training program heading into the April 21, 2025 race, featuring 80-85 miles a week.
For any new runners out there, Valuck says the key to running is simple — “Stay consistent, stay healthy and enjoy as many miles with friends as possible.”
On a personal note, way to go JV. We’re all proud of you.
