Marshall runner competes in State Games of America

Linze Leimkuehler (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

To Marshall native Linze Leimkuehler, running is more than just a form of exercise; it's a beloved pastime.

"Everyone has a passion for something," she said. "Mine just happens to be running."

Leimkuehler started running when she joined the track team in seventh grade. She was an all-state sprinter in high school and was named an All-American at Missouri Valley College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science.

From left to right, Steve Terry, Jack Uhrig, Jacob Uhrig and Linze Leimkuehler display the medals they won at the State Games of American in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Aug. 2. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

Although many athletes tend to drift away from their sports after college, Leimkuehler has continued her running career by competing at open meets across the country.

"This is my 11th year of doing track, and I haven't gotten bored yet," she said.

In August, Leimkuehler journeyed to Colorado Springs, Colo., for the State Games of America. Jack and Jacob Uhrig of Marshall and Steve Terry of Lexington also competed in the games.

This competition, Leimkuehler explained, is the next level of State Games of Mid-America, held during the Show-Me State Games in Columbia earlier this summer.

The local runners performed very well in the Colorado event, with Leimkuehler placing first in all three events she entered.

"It was a great competition, and it was a lot of fun," she said.

Leimkuehler was partially motivated to win because of the distance traveled to the national competition.

"I didn't really have any expectations," she said. But, "We figured if we were going to come that far, we didn't want to lose."

Even though she's been running for more than a decade, Leimkuehler still gets a little bit nervous before every race. But she thinks that's a good thing.

"If you're not nervous, then I don't think it's important to you," she said.

Leimkuehler doesn't have any serious before-race rituals, although she said she makes sure to eat consistent, healthy meals and stay well hydrated.

"I think if you eat healthy, you feel better," she said.

She also keeps a relic of her past track experiences with her, for a bit of luck.

"I've had the same T-shirt I've kept in my bag since the seventh grade," Leimkuehler said, laughing.

At the various meets she attends, Leimkuehler always pays an entrance fee, usually about $25, not to mention the cost of transportation to the event. All she gets in return is maybe an event T-shirt.

"We just run for the glory, for the medals," she said.

But Leimkuehler has an idea to turn racing into a profitable endeavor, though the money would not be for her. She would like to create a way for individuals and businesses to pledge a dollar amount for every medal won by a local runner at a competition. Then, that money would be donated to a local nonprofit organization.

"I'd like to be able to do it to really help people," she said.

"I want to help somebody here in Marshall just because I've lived here my whole life," she added.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

State Games of America Results:

Linze Leimkuehler, 19-29 age group
100 meter dash -- first place, 12.94 seconds
200 meter dash -- first place, 27.78 seconds
400 meter dash -- first place, 1:02

Jack Uhrig, 55-59 age group
400 meter dash -- first place, 1:03
800 meter run -- first place, 2:48
1500 meter run -- first place, 6:00
5000 meter run -- first place, 22:58

Jacob Uhrig, 19-29 age group
5000 meter run -- second place, 32:32

Steve Terry, Lexington, 50-54 age group
800 meter run -- second place, 2:44
1500 meter run -- first place, 5:39
Long jump -- second place, 4.33 meters
Triple jump -- third place, 9.02 meters