SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Grant Kaminer became the first Beacon to compete in an official collegiate marathon event in 16 years on Sunday, as he raced in the NAIA Marathon Classic, taking part in conjunction with the California International Marathon.
Kaminer, a grad student in his first year with the Beacons, finished the race in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and three seconds, posting the second-fastest marathon in school history behind Jason Bell, who ran a 3:07.42 at the 2008 Eugene Marathon. Kaminer earned a 47th-place finish among NAIA competitors.
“Grant had a great start and was on pace through about the first 20 miles,” said head coach Kyle Will. “His quads started cramping and his hydration might have been his downfall. He felt he underestimated the distance, which most runners do in their first marathon, so I think it was a humbling experience for him. He’s fired up and excited to do it again and continue to get better and to improve.
“I am proud of Grant as the first marathoner I have been able to coach at the collegiate level and it is very exciting for our program as we continue to grow and build more and bring in the team component for us.”
Now Kaminer will set his sights on the Bushnell track & field season, which kicks off in the spring.