People deal with pre-ceremony jitters and mark the occasion of their wedding in myriad ways. Sometimes that entails a shot of whiskey, taking a long walk, or practicing yoga. For one Chicago man, running a marathon to his wedding venue was just the ticket.
On Thursday, before saying “I do,” Chicago runner Simon Tanzman laced up a pair of black New Balance trainers and completed his “Running to the Altar” marathon, hoofing it from his family’s lake house to his wedding venue, the Morris Estate in Sawyer, Michigan.
In a video interview with ABC 57 just 24 hours before the wedding, Tanzman told the local news station how he got the idea to tackle this nuptial run. “So this started because about a year ago I decided to just randomly see about how far was it from our cabin in Sawyer, Michigan to the wedding venue, and it was 21 miles—almost a marathon, but 5 miles short,” he said. “Probably a stupid idea, but I was like, ‘Hey babe, what would you think?’ ‘Whatever you want, babe.’ And here we are.”
Holly Hurston fully supports her husband’s running goals. She said, “He just really loves to challenge himself, and any kind of goal he can attain … he’s not crazy.”
By the time the festivities began, the groom was all cleaned up and dressed to the nines in a light gray suit with purple accents, dancing up a storm with his bride. You’d never know he’d just pulled off such a daunting athletic feat.
Tanzman started running as a hobby a few years ago to get in shape and says he fell in love with the sport. Including his run to the altar, he’s run five marathons, three official races, and two solo, self-created challenges. The first of those runs, taken up early in the pandemic when most races and events were canceled or virtual, was one Hurston created for him, called the “Hippity Hoppity Holly Half.”
She made a custom race T-shirt for Tanzman, and had him run a path along Lake Michigan, waiting for him along the course with water, Gatorade, and snacks, “just always being there for him, showing my support and love for him,” she said.
“I couldn’t have done it without her driving around the course,” said Tanzman.
That kind of mutual love and support surely bodes well for the couple’s marriage, and is sure to give the newlywed wings at Tanzman’s next race, October’s Chicago Marathon.
Abby Carney is a writer and journalist in New York. A former D1 college runner and current amateur track athlete, she's written about culture and characters in running and outdoor sports for Runner's World, Like the Wind Magazine, The New York Times, and other outlets. She also writes about things that have nothing to do with running, and was previously the editor of a food magazine.
