Running a marathon is an enormous commitment, especially for a college student. Despite a substantial time commitment and mental challenges, some Davidson students undertake this challenge that less than 1% of the population can claim to have completed in their lifetime.
Olivia Hess ’28, Gavin Higgins ’28 and Anna Mathy ’26 are three examples of Davidson distance runners who take on training for marathons on top of their life on campus.
There are many challenges that come with training for distance races as a college student. “Training is tough this year especially because of my schedule […] but I run, bike and swim whenever I can. I also get to run with friends a lot which is absolutely the best,” Higgins said.
Mathy shared similar struggles and bright spots. “[Marathon training] took more self-discipline. In high school, my coach told me exactly what to do. It was also a big shift going from a full team to mostly running alone […] I enjoy running alone sometimes, but it’s been nice finding running buddies at Davidson who’ll join me for a few miles,” Mathy said.
She has completed two marathons: Chicago in the fall 2023 and Boston in the spring 2025.
Hess found a similar community in running. “Since I’m not on an official team, I can plan when I run. Mostly I run in the mornings. There’s a club aspect with races sometimes, but I haven’t raced yet so it’s been more for fun, not training to increase speed or compete,” Hess said.
Higgins has completed multiple ultramarathons, races over the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. He enjoys trail running instead of road racing, which is the traditional format for a marathon. “I love challenges and I love the mountains. I grew up going on massive hikes and trail runs with my parents and ever since have just been captivated by it,” Higgins said.
Hess recently completed her first marathon in Minnesota over fall break. She decided to run that race in 2024 when she tore her ACL and made a commitment to running 26.2 miles. Through the long training process and grueling race, Hess had a few phrases of encouragement that she clung to: “After tearing my ACL, one that stuck was ‘the pain cave is a privilege.’ Another was: ‘I can’t run 26 miles on my own strength.’ It reminds me that God gives me strength and helps me run with endurance […] and from cross country, I always remember ‘your mind will give out before your body will.’ That helps remind me I’m capable of hard things.”
Mathy ran two marathons of high regard. In order to get through difficult stretches of those races like heartbreak hill, a steep incline around the 20-mile mark of the Boston Marathon, Mathy remembers her supporters. “I remind myself that my friends are cheering and that I do this because I love it. Even if a run doesn’t go well, there’s always tomorrow. If I hit a running rut, I take a break. When I’m ready to get back into it, I ease in with walking or a short run,” Mathy said.
Whether using running as a break from Davidson’s myriad demands or a way to experience community, Hess, Higgins and Mathy have benefitted from distance running. Their dedication in training is an inspiration.