BBHHS teacher to run marathon through students’ neighborhoods on May 3

Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School American government teacher Sean Brennan is planning to run a full 26.2-mile marathon through the neighborhoods of as many of his students as possible on Sunday, May 3. 

Brennan, who has served as a teacher in the district for 25 years, has run 92 marathons over the past 11 years. 

“My goal has been to run 100 marathons before the end of 2020,” he said.  

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many marathons have become “virtual,” allowing runners to run their races wherever they like. So far, Brennan has finished the Pittsburgh, Toledo and Western Maryland marathons using this method. 

This time, he will use his results toward the Pro-Football Hall of Fame Marathon in Canton, which was his first Boston Marathon-qualifying race in 2015.  

“Like a lot of teachers, it has been a challenge to find ways of keeping our students’ morale up during this stressful time,” Brennan said. “I want to prove to my students and the communities how much I care for and appreciate them.”

Brennan plans to wear school colors and carry a “Go Bees” sign that lists all of the names of his senior students. He is encouraging students to wave and place inspirational and school spirit signs in their front lawns. He also welcomes snacks and drinks.  

“I am currently, putting together the route, which will begin at the doors of Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School at 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, then finish inside the stadium around noon,” Brennan said. 

He plans to listen to the BBHHS alma mater and National Anthem prior to the start. 

Brennan’s personal record is a 3 hour, 14 minute marathon. 

“This one will be much slower, as the communities are quite hilly, and I want to wave to as many folks as I can – maintaining social distancing, of course,” Brennan said.  

Brennan is using the race as a fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Donate at greaterclevelandfoodbank.org.