English Tomlinson’s final time of 2:35:13 was just 13 minutes behind the first-place winner
English Tomlinson, a science teacher at Slauson Middle School, recently competed in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando, Florida, placing 31st out of 134 athletes with an impressive time of 2:35:13. While her finish was not fast enough to earn a spot on the 2024 Olympic team, Tomlinson is already setting her sights on qualifying again for the next Olympic trials in four years.
Tomlinson qualified for the Olympic trials by running a 2:36:14 marathon last April at the Boston Marathon.
The Slauson community rallied behind her with handmade posters, shirts, and videos as she pursued her Olympic dream.
“It is my first year here at Slauson, we moved to Michigan back in July and I am so happy to join the Golden Bears!” said Tomlinson, who teaches 8th grade science and four sections of 6th grade science. “We have a very supportive community here so while I was racing my team created posters, shirts, and videos to support me.”
Her students are no strangers to Tomlinson’s running talents. As an assistant cross-country coach at Skyline High School, she is often spotted training before and after school and on weekends.
She recently started her own inclusive running club called Rosebud Running Club which welcomes runners of all levels. More information is on the club’s Facebook page and website.
Tomlinson’s passion for running took root in high school where she was a three-sport athlete competing in cross country, indoor track, and soccer. She went on to run cross country and indoor/outdoor track at Bridgewater College in Virginia and is still coached by her collegiate mentor Brian Cunningham.
Career Highlights: Winner, 2023 Indiana Women’s Half Marathon; 34th, 2023 Boston Marathon (16th American); 24th, 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (13th American); 16th, 2022 BAA 10K
Family: I got married to my wife, Devin, in September 2023! We live with our cat, Simba. I have a large family coming out to support me in Orlando!
Greatest Accomplishment: Qualifying for the Trials in Chicago last October was a huge accomplishment for me. However, I think my greatest accomplishment came two weeks before when I married my wife. I could not have gotten this far without her support and the support of so many others that encourage me to show up and keep being my authentic self every day.
Favorite Post-race Indulgence: Chocolate!
Interesting Story: After high school I quit running and didn’t think I would ever look back. A year into college I changed my mind and transferred school, where I had great mentors and teammates to help me fall in love with the sport again. I graduated college in 2020, losing most of my senior year due to the pandemic. This lit a fire in me again, this time with the marathon. I turned my sights toward the daunting distance and fell in love all over again. Now, many people around town know me as the runner with the biker, my spouse, or the teacher who runs.
Favorite Breakfast: Pancakes with fruit on top and a black coffee
Favorite Running Memory: When I was in college I loved our team long runs. We would run on a dirt road called “Honey Run.” It was always peaceful, still and quiet. My teammates and I would run side-by-side counting the horses and buggies that passed by as we ticked off the miles.
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