Student runners complete marathon for fallen Neenah teacher

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Some Neenah High School students ran the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon with a little extra motivation this year after losing a driving force to the group Runner’s High just a few months ago.

“Every time I walked into her office there was always a bright smile on her face. She was the best,” Senior Mckayla Kubs said.

Kubs crossed the finish line with Chris Christensen’s name on her back, along with other members of Runner’s High. Christensen died in Februrary... but not without leaving her mark. Her group, Runner’s High, continues inspiring teens to adopt healthy practices and turn away from destructive substances like drugs and alcohol.

16-year-old Alex Schmitzer hit a new personal record alongside his Runner’s High peers.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet but I set a goal to finish this thing within two hours and I just did it! I’m still recovering. It hasn’t really hit me,” Schmitzer said.

He told Action 2 News the group has a special connection with one another, making the loss extra tough for those who knew Christensen.

“She’s been a big part of this group for the past 13 years. We really miss her this year,” Schmitzer expressed.

“It’s sad that she’s not here but I know that she was here in spirit guiding us, smiling down on us because she’s glad we’re doing it to keep her alive,” Kubs explained.

Even though Christensen is gone, her legacy lives on each time her students lace up their sneakers.

Kubs said, “It’s really put a smile on my face. I’m glad I did it!”

INITIAL REPORT:

Runners took off on a full marathon, half marathon and a 5 K race bright and early Sunday!

A number of roads closed to create safe spaces for runners.

The Cellcom Marathon’s webpage says, “The marathoners head east through Ashwaubenon before heading over the Mason St. Bridge to Allouez and enjoying some miles on the Fox River Trail. After crossing back over the Fox River, they will head back to Lambeau Field to take a lap around the Frozen Tundra.”

Race packet pick-up started on Friday, May 19, 2023 at a bar on Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon.

The full marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Mike McCarthy Way between Holmgren and Oneida, also in Ashwaubenon.

WBAY will have live coverage of the races on our newscasts at 6 a.m. and 8.am. on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

“We’ve been working for a good solid nine months on this and to see it all come together, to have people start coming in and see everything work out, we’re putting on something for everybody’s big day,” said Ryan Griessmeyer, Race Director.

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