Milan Running Group Carries Local Spirit to Boston Marathon

A Milan running group that started with a run and a “we should make this a thing” moment recently sent three local runners to one of the world’s most famous races.

Ryan Wilman, Angela Carron and Reagan Justice, all part of The Owl, Morning ’til Night’s Run/Walk Your Way to Happy Hour group, completed the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20. The Boston Athletic Association says about 30,000 runners participate in the race each year on Patriots’ Day.

Wilman said the Milan group grew out of a casual run with Carron, whom he knew from CrossFit.

“We ran together every so often, and we actually went for a run together, sat outside together, were drinking margaritas, and she said, ‘We should make this a thing,’” Wilman said.

That idea became a regular Milan run/walk group that usually draws about 10 to 20 people, depending on weather and special events. Wilman said the group gathers unless conditions are unsafe.

“It just shrinks the group,” he said of bad weather. “Shrinks, doesn’t stop.”

This year, three members carried that local connection to Boston.

Justice finished in 2 hours, 45 minutes and 20 seconds, averaging 6:19 per mile, according to official race results. Carron finished in 2:59:18, averaging 6:51 per mile. Wilman finished in 3:24:50, averaging 7:49 per mile.

Justice, Carron’s daughter, is a former Wayne State University distance runner and is now a graduate assistant coach with Western Michigan University’s cross country and track and field program.

Carron brought deep marathon experience. Boston was her 152nd marathon. Six days later, she ran the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, making it No. 153.

Wilman said Boston itself was “unmatched,” from the pre-race logistics to the crowds along the course. He left his lodging at 5:30 a.m., took public transportation, dropped off his bag, boarded a bus to the start and had already logged more than 10,000 steps before reaching the starting line.

Once the race began, he said the crowd support was unlike anything he had experienced.

“I’ve been to the Big House, and this was louder,” Wilman said. “It would come in almost like waves of people cheering.”

But the spirit of the Milan group is not only about fast times. During Wilman’s interview, another runner nearby mentioned it was his first time running two miles without stopping.

“Dude, that’s awesome,” Wilman told him.

That moment captured the feel of the group: part serious running, part neighborhood encouragement and part community gathering.

For a group that began with a simple “we should make this a thing,” Boston was a milestone. But in Milan, the weekly invitation remains much simpler: run or walk, then stay for happy hour.

Featured image: Members of Milan’s Run/Walk Your Way to Happy Hour group gather outside The Owl, Morning ’til Night. Photo by Heather Finch