Runner Spotlight - January 2024

Glenda Borowski

Meet Glenda Borowski Glenda took her first running steps in the Summer of 1981. When she started, she could run from her mailbox to the next mailbox.  By the Spring of 1982, she was able to run the Norton Shores 10k. That was when she was 38 years old.​



​This past year was a very special birthday for Glenda. She turned 80! She was very happy to have her son fly down from Anchorage, cheer everyone on at the Grand Rapids Marathon races, and enjoy some post race celebrations with a large group from RunMKG.

As a part of our Runner Spotlight, we also asked Geldna to answer a few fun questions. But in true Glenda fashion, she had her own questions she wanted to answer as well:

1. How long have you been running? 
I have been running for about 43 years now.

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
Yes. Back when I started, only 10ks and marathons were available and all races were gun times (no chips back then). I also ran Detroit the day the Tigers were playing for the championship.  We ran through Gibby's neighborhood. Tigers Roared in '84.

My best times were  10k/48:40 46yrs, 5k/23:33 47 yrs, 15k/1:18:23 46yrs, 25k/2:41:32 40yrs & 3:15:38 59 yrs, Marathon/4:20:16.  A couple weeks later I received a certificate from Detroit saying Congrats!  #10 in my AG.  No medals.  All gun time. No chips until a race with RunnersEdge in 1995.

3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?
Friday 5Ks used to do some Flash Mobs. I ran in my own costume at one of those. (I have the pictures to prove it too!)

4. What is your worst running-related injury?
In December 2017 someone had dumped caliche on my favorite Texas two-track.  My TX DDS said Oh, let me use my new x-ray machine!  Nothing broken.  I ran under cover of darkness for a while.  McAllen son didn't want me to visit.  

5. What race will you never run again?
What race am I never going to run again?  The Rectifier!  Run-a-Muck!
The Rio Grande curves around so that south of McAllen, the US border is south of Mexico.  Running that South of the Border 10k, I won a little Aztec Warrior Trophy 3rd place one year, mid-size 2nd place the next, and 1st place large Aztec Warrior from the McAllenParks & Rec the last winter Larry was RD.

6. What is one of your favorite race experiences?
My son, Fu, suggested I have a race at Muskegon State Park on my 70th birthday.  (Had one every year until last year, when many gathered in GRR.)  Gave Flavor Fav wheel covers to the person/people I deemed worthy.

7. What is one of your craziest running stories?]
I was arrested! I was running on a sidewalk/cartpath which had been at South Padre Island Golf Course for over twenty years, the new owner of a house nearby decided half that path belonged to him.  After being driven to the Laguna Vista PD by the police, I was written up, then driven home.   SPIGC paid the guy for his half. 

8. The only running shoe for me:
I wear Hokas & Topos.  Mile 'em out at 300 miles.

9. Do you ever see yourself stopping?
Stop running?  When that death certificate is signed.  Then my son will have one last race for me at MSP, so friends can scatter my ashes along Memorial & Scenic & up to the blockhouse.

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