Friends and family traveled to Boston to cheer on seven Rockwall runners who competed in the 130th annual Boston Marathon.
ROCKWALL, TX (April 23, 2026) More than 30,000 elite runners from 123 countries and 50 states gave it their all at the 2026 Boston Marathon. Proudly representing Rockwall in the 26.2 mile race were seven local woman – all of whom finished the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon.
Highlights from Rockwall runners included:
Top local finisher Jessica Carney at 3:08 ran her 3rd Boston Marathon a full 7 minutes better than her previous best.
Miranda Hyvl at 3:38 ran her 7th Boston posting her best result there to date.
Mary Courtin at 3:40 ran her 4th Boston Marathon.
Carrie Varner at 4:03 finished her 14th consecutive Boston Marathon.
Diana Sterling and Kathy Smith completed their first attempts at the race.
Six-timer Marni Sanders also completed the course. Carney, Hyvl and Varner each posted times fast enough to guarantee entry into next year’s Boston Marathon.
Runners enjoyed cool temperatures in the 40s at the starting line in Hopkinton, MA along with a light tailwind – ideal conditions for a new men’s professional course record set by John Korir whose 2:01:59 result shattered the previous record by over a minute. The top professional woman finisher, Sharon Lokedi won with a time of 2:18:51. Korir and Lokedi both are from Kenya and both won last year’s event.
All Rockwall runners at the Boston Marathon train year-round as members of Run House Rockwall owned by fellow runner Miranda Hyvl. Ms. Hyvl is a Road Runner Club of America certified trainer who coaches many area runners, too. While Boston is a highlight on the running calendar, it is just one of many races in which Rockwall athletes compete. Notably, after completing her first Boston Marathon on April 20, Rockwall’s Diana Sterling will run a second 26.2 mile event less than a week later at the London Marathon.
“Boston, London, New York, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo and Sydney are the world’s elite marathons,” said Hyvl. “We are fortunate to have a talented group of local runners who have represented us in every one of these races.”
Accompanying Rockwall runners in Boston was a contingent of family members and friends who cheered them on and, enjoyed the race weekend events like “The Blessing of the Runners” church service at the historic Old South Church near the finish line; the Boston Marathon Exhibition at Copley Place; multiple carb-loading Italian restaurant meals; and the 130th anniversary marathon itself.
Now that the big race is over, the Rockwall marathoners have returned to their normal Run House training schedule of twice weekly “5 @ 5” (5 miles at 5 am) training runs; and weekly Thursday 6 pm run/walk around the Rockwall County Court House for beginner and recovering runners.
“In the wake of a big event like the Boston Marathon, the Run House recovery lounge gets full use as our members avail themselves of leg compression; vibration plate; and newly installed sauna,” said Hyvl who owns the Run House located at 811 Yellow Jacket Lane across from the Rockwall County Courthouse.
On May 18, in the lobby of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall, The Run House will show off its Boston Marathon medals, race day pictures and invite YMCA members and friends to learn more about Rockwall’s premier running and walking organization.
“Whether it’s the Boston Marathon or a walk on YMCA trails, we are committed to keeping Rockwall fit and connected,” said J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Associate Executive Director Stacie Renfro. “We’re pleased to partner with The Run House and, proud of members like Diana Sterling who conquered the Boston Marathon with a little help from YMCA and the Run House!”
For more info about the Run House activities and membership, contact Miranda Hyvl at 214-208-4757. For more info about the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall, contact Stacie Renfro at 972-772-9622.
Submitted story and photos by Kevin Metcalf-Kelly.
Hometown Strong: Rockwall Women Go the Distance at Boston Marathon added by Editor on
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