Meet the newest Steeplechasers 2022 Rising Star Award recipient, Johanna Homon.

11 years ago, my family ran the Bridge2Bridge 5K in Ashtabula, Ohio. I was barely young enough to squeak into the youngest age group. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know 3 miles was a short race. I didn’t know I’d love it so much.

Running would stretch and sustain me though my topsy-turvy years. Through high school, college, and beyond I had my sport anywhere and always. A safe sidewalk and a pair of shoes was all I needed to feed my soul. I don’t think there’s anything I’ve stuck with for so long.

January 2022 I set my sights on the Boston Marathon. Although I’d completed three already, my PR was over 40 minutes slower than the qualifying time. With the support of Frederick Steeplechasers, family, and friends I trained for the hardest race of my life.

At the Steamtown Marathon, I pulled out a 3:28 chip time and qualified for Boston!

When applications open next September, I’m hoping I’ll be selected to catch a 2024 unicorn.

Grateful for the running buddies, the smiles, miles, and the growth it’s brought me both on and off the road.