A first-time Boston Marathoner was inspired by his wife and a school administrator.
The inspiration for Burke Doyle happens to come from the same person, Niki Doyle.
“Niki was the one who inspired me to start the marathon distance,” Burke said with a smile. “Just being at Boston last year watching Niki was inspiring. It was all inspirational. The crowd was inspirational. The whole city gets behind it. It is an amazing event.”
Burke, 48, qualified for the 2018 Boston Marathon by finishing at 3:21:04 at the Edmonton Marathon in August (the same run in which 18-year-old Okotokian Heidi Frehlich qualified). Last year, Burke was a spectator in Boston watching his wife run the famed marathon for the first time.
This year, Burke and Niki are both lacing up their sneakers for Boston. It’s quite impressive since Burke was mainly a half-marathoner — he has run the Millarville Run to the Farmers Market several times.
Burke’s first attempt to qualify for Boston was like a groundball through Bill Buckner’s legs.
“I ran a marathon in Toronto in 2005, and I wanted to qualify then, but I ran a really bad race — as fast as I could until I ran out of gas.
“It was really bad.”
He learned a lot over the past 12 years. His strategy in Edmonton was more spot on than a Tom Brady pass.
“I ran a good split (half-time. 1:39:35) and I started thinking: ‘hey, I can do this,’” Burke said. “I felt good, had a good time and I thought: ‘I’ve got a crack at this.”’
He was overwhelmed when he crossed the finish about four minutes ahead of the qualifying time.
“I thought to myself this is pretty incredible and I get to go to Boston with Niki — not just watch but I actually get to participate,” Burke said.
He was delighted, but he might have been the second-happiest Doyle in Edmonton.
Niki, who had run the half-marathon in the capital, was waiting at the finish line.
“When I finished the half in Edmonton, I wanted to be able to congratulate Burke right when he finished so I stayed in the chute and talked to our daughters who were on the other side of the fence,” said Niki, a vice-principal at St. Francis of Assisi Academy.
“When the clock hit 3:20, he wasn’t in yet. I said a quick prayer and just after the clock hit 3:21, our daughter, Riley spotted him. I started jumping up and down. It was a bit emotional and it was a moment I will never forget.
“I honestly think I was happier for Burke when he qualified than when I did.”
The 45-year-old Niki requalified for Boston at the 2017 Okanagan Marathon with 3:29:24, well under the qualifying time of 3:55:00.
“Burke’s support last year meant a lot to me. This year will be extra special because I know what he will get to experience and Boston is truly a marathon like no other.”
As well as experiencing the joy of raising three daughters and a life together, Burke and Niki went through an experience not quite so enjoyable.
That is, training for the world’s most famous marathon in weather more fit for getting ready for the Iditarod.
“If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t have been able to qualify or run this past winter — it’s been such a crappy winter,” Burke said with a chuckle. “If she goes out, I go out. She inspires me to go out in this weather.”
The Boston Marathon is Monday starting at 6:40 a.m. MST.
The other Foothills area runners are Okotoks’ Heidi Frehlich, 18; Dwayne Gillies, 57; Tristan Janusc, 36 and High River’s Ron Abramson, 62.
Traditionally, Foothills residents are invited to lead the pack for the 12-km High River to Okotoks Friendship Run, this year on Victoria Day on May 21.
To watch the runners’ progress or for more information about the Boston Marathon go to baa.org
