Ben has been running Bloomsday for the past ten years, but this year was different, he trained seriously for his first marathon. Growing up with asthma, long runs and endurance sports were always a challenge, and past attempts at marathon training didn’t stick. But revisiting his asthma with a specialist and starting a twice-daily inhaler changed everything, giving him the breath and confidence to tackle longer distances. In the summer of 2025, Ben began training alongside his friend (also named Ben) for the Spokane Marathon. Almost every weekend brought a new personal achievement, with miles longer than anything he had ever run before. The course was challenging, especially the hills and Doomsday at mile 22, but the views along the Spokane River and throughout the city kept him motivated. Crossing the finish line after running the entire marathon was unforgettable. Ben says the experience gave him a new respect for distance runners and a sense of pride in what his body is capable of. He’s grateful for the support from course volunteers and can’t wait for more miles ahead!