'It's obviously something really exciting to be a part of,' she said. Collins is glad to be part of celebrating such a notable milestone. This year's Boston Marathon, the 126th edition of the race, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first women's field.

She also made sure to procure some Miami running gear so she can proudly represent her alma mater in the process.

It's just such a cool experience.'Ĭollins recorded a time of 3:04 in October in her second-ever marathon (she had run a 3:07 in Seattle previously), and is hoping to break the three-hour mark next week in her return to Boston. There are fans lining the entire stretch of the 26.2 miles along the whole race! They take it very seriously in Boston. You're walking down the street and everyone just congratulates you and cheers for you randomly. 'You feel like a celebrity when you're there as a runner. 'I always try to tell people, if you're thinking about doing it, definitely go for it, because it's like no other experience… The setting this time? The world-famous Boston Marathon.Ĭollins, who called running at Boston her 'ultimate' goal, is back for a second time she actually qualified for and competed in last year's race, held just six months ago due to the pandemic.

Now, nearly 15 years later and no longer a student-athlete, the 2010 Miami University graduate will once again be wearing Red and White at the start line for a big race. She went on to place fifth at NCAA regionals and compete in the NCAA Championship meet. One of the most memorable races of Laura (Neufarth) Collins' life was the 2007 MAC cross country championship.Ĭollins won the individual conference title for the RedHawks with a time of 17:35.2, and remains the last Miami runner, male or female, to do so.

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