Tallahassee runner qualifies for Boston Marathon on 1st attempt, checks off 'bucket list'
Raymond Reavis does not have broad experience in running, specifically marathons.
Reavis, 42, wrestled at Leon High and was a competitive gymnast. He has exercised regularly over the years and, alongside wife Tracy and their two children, focuses on fitness and wellness.
Now he's about to accomplish a "bucket list" goal of running in the famed Boston Marathon Monday, April 17.
More than 30,000 runners, including a contingent from Tallahassee, are expected to make the journey from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Boston.
"I am super excited. It's an achievement to even run in the race," said Reavis, owner of Grass Monkeys lawn service.
The Boston Marathon is open to runners 18 year or older from any nation. However, runners must meet strict qualifying times to even enter the race. Qualifying times are based on racers' ages — and that's just the first step due to cut-off restrictions as well. Gaining entry is considered by runners as a mark of achievement.
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Reavis is unique because he qualified for the Boston Marathon on his first attempt.
Reavis met his qualifying time in the 2022 Tallahassee Marathon, which serves as a qualifying course for Boston. He ran the 26.2-mile course in 3 hours, 7 minutes and 10 seconds. That was nearly three minutes under the 3:10 qualifying time for Boston. Reavis also placed third in his age bracket (40-44) and 11th overall in his first marathon.
"I was running to meet the (qualifying) time," Reavis said. "So I knew where I was along the way. You never know about the cut-off, so you are trying to get below the time as far as you can. Our course is a little hilly at the beginning but it flattens out so that helped."
Raymond Reavis had read stories about Boston Marathon, what to expect
Reavis doesn't know what to expect in Boston.
He hasn't talked to anyone who has competed in the world's oldest marathon, but has read stories about what to expect and how to prepare. Reavis is making his first trip to "Beantown" a family affair, too. His wife and children will be among the marathon's 500,000 spectators, and they plan to sight-see and attend a Boston Red Sox game.
Don't underestimate Reavis on race day either.
Around eight years ago, Reavis discovered he enjoyed running, saying it was a way to "zone out and not stress about stuff." Still driven and competitive, Reavis entered local and regional triathlons, including a Half-Ironman in North Carolina, and half-marathon (13.1 miles) races.
Reavis doesn't log heavy weekly miles, usually totaling around 25-30 miles, and runs when time allows. He has also remained healthy. Though not a life-long runner, he set goals a few years ago.
"It was like, 'What can I do next?' " Reavis said of his competitive nature. "I enjoy running because, to me, you are always racing yourself. Trying to do the best you can. I am really looking forward to the experience."
Who all from Tallahassee is competing in the 2023 Boston Marathon
Judy Alexander, 61; Jason Graham, 43; Jillian Heddaeus, 40; Amy Hines, 42; Charlie Johnson, 43; Melanie Leitman, 39; Birgit Katkin-Maier, 60; Jack McDermott, 54; Deanna McVay, 40; Mickey Moore, 53; Carrie Murphy, 51; Thomas Murphy, 53; Michael Niezgoda, 34; Christopher O’Kelley, 30; Gabriella Passidomo, 31; Nancy Peters, 64; Raymond Reavis, 42; Mary Fran Rowe, 42; Kory Skrob, 52; Tsige Tadesse, 55; Alison Thumm, 45; Felton Wright, 65; Fanxiu Zhu, 54
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's Raymond Reavis qualifies for Boston Marathon on 1st try
