Running a marathon is something only 1% of the population will complete in their lifetime. It’s a race that pushes you to your limit, challenges you mentally and physically, and brings a sense of fulfillment like no other. That said, there are no current statistics of people who run multiple marathons alongside their father but there is one local story that tells more than any statistic ever could.
Amber Answine and her dad, Joe Answine, have been moving and staying active since Amber was 14. Growing up in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Joe initially got into running at 39 years old to improve his life, wellbeing, and overall health. Or as he humorously said, “It was a midlife crisis. I had a choice of buying a red sports car or starting to run, and Ambers mom, my wife, decided running was better.”
Amber saw the benefits and joy running brought her Dad and decided to join him. After their first half-marathon together in 2009, they set a goal: to race together once a year, traveling across the country and strengthening their bond. In 2011, their goal became to run a marathon together every year. They have completed so many races across the U.S., including Washington D.C’s Rock and Roll Marathon, the Disney Marathon, and the beautiful Missoula Marathon.
Amber loved being able to bring her dad to her place of home and show him what the Missoula community is all about. When Joe was asked about his favorite race, you could see his face light up. He referenced the D.C. Marathon, where Amber unfortunately dealt with food poisoning the day before. Amber, still determined, decided to push through the race when, around mile 12, she started seeing lights. After being medically treated in an ambulance on the course for 30 minutes, the medical professional told the two of them, “We will let you race, but we think it’s best if you veer off and do the half-marathon.” Joe proceeded to share that they looked at each other with a smirk, saying, “I don’t think so, we paid for the full.” Despite being medically treated and feeling far from her best, Amber still completed the D.C. Marathon in time, right alongside her biggest cheerleader, Dad.
In another race, they encountered another setback. This time Joe’s broken ankle in 2014. However, just five months later, they raced side by side in the Richmond Marathon. “We are both stubborn, as you see,” Joe said. Not only do they race, travel, and cheer each other on, but they do it all side by side. “When we first started running, we made a rule that I stayed with her; we would always stick together,” Joe said. Well, now Amber is able to pass her dad, and he has time and time again said, “You go on!”
Amber and her dad think alike, because despite being able to run ahead, she wants to stick by him the whole time. Amber is a past collegiate athlete, a founder of her own design and development company, and now has a goal to run a marathon in each state. However, the magic of the Missoula marathon is something she holds close to her heart.
“The people in Missoula are ones to support; they are up early in their driveways, cheering people on. Despite not having the population of some of the other cities I have raced in, this community makes up for it with their support,” Amber said. Amber and Joe both spoke on the importance of movement, whether it be running or something else. Joe is an anesthesiologist and has seen firsthand the necessity of prioritizing one's health throughout his career. In fact, Joe’s training regime involves running every single day. But what really lights he and Amber up is being able to do this together.
“Families stick together,” Joe said when asked what this experience has taught him. Amber echoed this by saying, “The race may not be comfortable, it may not be fun, but that doesn’t make it impossible.” When doing something side by side, it sure makes 26.2 miles a lot easier. To have a bond like Amber and Joe is the real win. Crossing the finish line together means more than any medal.
“The race may not be comfortable, it may not be fun, but that doesn’t make it impossible.” - Amber Answine