April 21, 2003

Boston – University of Kentucky women’s tennis head coach Mark Guilbeau participated in and finished the 107th Boston Marathon on Monday in a time of 3:08.56. This was the UK coach’s third consecutive year running in the marathon and his fourth overall.

Guilbeau, who is an avid runner, has competed in a total of 10 marathons and has a personal-best time of 2:40.00. In this year’s race, Guilbeau was missing his usual running mate and former UK women’s tennis player Christy Sigurski.

“It wasn’t quite the same without my usual running buddy,” Guilbeau said. “But regardless, you always seem to make friends along the way.”

Guilbeau also said the event teaches several lessons, which he uses as inspiration to be able to compete in the 26. 2 mile test race.

“This race teaches a great lesson in perseverance, relentless effort and positive thinking,” he said. “And I am inspired in these traits by the members of the UK women’s tennis team. Much of the time running was spent thinking about them and due to that it was a fun day.”

Guilbeau’s finishing time on Monday automatically qualifies him for next year’s race.