The city of Peoria is proud to recognize Ann Durkin, an architect in the development and engineering department, for her incredible achievements as an endurance athlete.

Durkin is lacing up her running shoes for her 10th Boston Marathon on April 21.

This milestone race follows Ann’s strong finish at the 2024 New York Marathon, where she finished in the top 25% of her age group, showing her strength at one of the world’s most prestigious races.

"Ann is an accomplished endurance athlete," says Jeff Curran, development and engineering director. "We have plenty of talented folks across the city, but Ann’s story is one that stands out. She's quiet and unassuming, even people in the department here had no idea she was such an accomplished athlete.”

Ann’s journey as a runner started 20 years ago, shortly after the birth of her youngest daughter.

"I couldn’t shake the last 10 pounds, so I took a dare from my neighbors to sign up for a marathon," she laughs.

While the weight didn't fall off right away, she shifted her focus to consistency and speed, eventually losing those 10 pounds in just 6-8 months, while gaining a new love for the sport.

Running, for Durkin, is about more than fitness. It’s become a source of mental clarity.

"When I run, I’m in a zen state of mind," she shares. "I forget everything that’s not important and focus on the present. It’s a peaceful escape."

She also values the community spirit that running fosters, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Over two decades, Durkin has completed 38 marathons, an Ironman, a 100-mile ultra, and even a 200-mile race. Her favorite memory is her first Boston Marathon in 2008.

“It was just so magical and incredible how the whole community comes out to support and cheer for the runners,” she recalls. “ I was high-fiving kids along the whole way and smiling. At about midway through the marathon, you come up on the “Scream Tunnel” and it’s Wellesley College where all the students come out and just scream. It’s so awesome. You can hear them a quarter of a mile away. Then’s there’s the magical finish, where you turn right on Hereford and left on Boylston Street, and “BAM!!!”, the finish is right there with huge crowds screaming, and you’re finally done!”

When it comes to training, Durkin keeps a consistent running schedule year-round, but she cranks it up a notch during the summer, incorporating faster intervals for shorter races like 5ks. She typically runs six days a week, with one day for recovery.

So what happens after running the Boston Marathon on April 21?

There’s no finish line in sight.

Durkin’s goal in 2026 is to hit her 40th marathon. She’s eyeing a marathon abroad, with London or Tokyo topping her running bucket list. Here in the states, Durkin has her sights set on the Big Sur Marathon along California’s Highway 1, hoping to run and take pictures the entire way.

For anyone who doubts their ability to conquer 26.2 miles, Durkin offers this advice: "It’s mostly mental," she says with confidence. "Break it down into smaller chunks and build up gradually. It’s not about running the full distance all at once – it’s about taking it one step at a time."

Durkin’s journey started with a 10-minute run, and over time, she built up to 60-minute runs.

"Start small," she advises. "Run to the next light pole or sign. Just chunk it out and build from there."

Over her 20-year running career, she has shaved an impressive 1 hour and 45 minutes off her marathon time. She completed her first marathon, the PF Chang’s Rock 'n' Roll Arizona, in 5:45:24. In contrast, her most recent New York City marathon in November 2024 saw her finish in 4:05:59.

From the drafting table to the finish line, Ann Durkin embodies grit and grace. Peoria will be cheering her on as she takes on Boston once more!

Editor's note: This story was submitted by the city of Peoria.