Hillsboro runners participate in May 17 Fargo Marathon

A number of Hillsboro runners competed in this year’s Fargo Marathon, an event that attracted athletes from around the world.

More than 13,000 runners participated in the 2008 Fargo Marathon.

The Saturday, May 17 event started and ended at the FargoDome.

The Larry Mueller family of Hillsboro ran in the Fargo Marathon this year.

Running from the Mueller household were Larry, Maribeth, Darrin, Megan and Ethan.

“It was incredible, awesome,” said Larry Mueller.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it.” 

Inspired and challenged by other Hillsboro runners, Mueller today is sold on running.

“It feels great.”

Anyone and everyone can participate in marathons, according to the Hillsboro businessman.

“You start out little by little and keep extending yourself. It gets better,” he promises.

“It’s mind over matter.”

A half-marathon runner, Mueller hopes to be running full marathons next year. He also intends to participate in at least two more half-marathons this summer.

Professing not to be a “guru” on the sport of running, he at least has his family running with him; plus, he’s encouraging others to start running.

“Give it a try,” he urges.

You won’t regret it.

Mia Kozojed and Jessica Hoornaert, both of Hillsboro, ran the full marathon on the streets of Fargo two weeks ago.

Running in the half-marathon from Hillsboro were Justin

Grinde, Laura Houglum, Jennifer Waters, Larry Mueller, Karla Neusinger, Angie Spokely and Carissa Olsen.

Hillsboro runners competing in the 5K race were Craig Smith, Kelly Salander, Tanya Buethner, Darrin Mueller, Ethan Mueller, Ann Smith, Kristy Sumner, Megan Mueller, Maribeth Mueller, Brittany Lessard, Brandon Henn, Bonnie Mueller, Jennifer Kessler, Michael Kessler, Elaina Salander, Chris O’Brien, Heidi Eckart, Addi Eckart, Carmen Henn, Jennifer Johnson and Lynda Anderson-Orsland.

The Rich Gehrke family participated in the relay segment of the Fargo Marathon. Running with Rich were wife Nancy and daughters Julie Hanson and Joy Ackerman.

Kinsey (Coles) Essler, Ostego, Minn., won the 26-year-old women’s age group. Essler is a former Hillsboro Burro track star. Her time in the 26-mile marathon was 3:26.51. She was the 96th runner to cross the finish line.