The Tall Sisters of the Marathon - Two Truths and a Lie Edition
It all started on a crisp September morning in Madison, Wisconsin. The sprawling University of Wisconsin-Madison campus buzzed with first-week energy as thousands of students scurried to classes. Among them were three freshmen: Whitney, an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan despite her Wisconsin roots, whose devotion to LeBron James was unmatched; Molly, a born-and-raised Wisconsinite whose boisterous laugh could carry across Camp Randall Stadium; and Allison, another Wisconsin native and self-proclaimed Disney princess who never went anywhere without her collection of princess-themed chapsticks.
Their paths crossed by chance—or perhaps fate—in an introductory running club meeting. What began as a polite exchange of names and hometowns quickly turned into a fast friendship when Whitney pointed out the unmissable: “We’re all practically giants!” Standing at 5’11” (Molly), 6’0” (Whitney), and 6’1” (Allison), they soon dubbed themselves the "Three Tall Sisters."
Bonding over their shared height wasn’t the only thing that cemented their friendship. Over late-night study sessions and casual runs along the shores of Lake Mendota, they realized they had more in common: a passion for running, a love for life’s quirks, and a collective refusal to take themselves too seriously.
The first marathon idea came one night during finals week, fueled by a bottle of cheap red wine in their tiny apartment on Regent Street. Molly, always the instigator, declared, “Let’s run a marathon next summer!” Allison groaned but immediately countered, “Fine, but only if we bring Disney princess chapstick for post-race selfies.” Whitney, sipping her glass of wine, smiled slyly. “And if we drink wine the night before—pure carbo-loading genius.”
Thus began a tradition that would carry them through their twenties: running marathons together in the most hilariously unorthodox ways.
Their first race was in Milwaukee, where they added a new pre-marathon ritual to their list: cracking open a Summer Shandy at sunrise. “It’s like sports fuel!” Whitney insisted. To this day, the image of them chugging beer on the start line—amid incredulous stares—remains legendary.
The trio’s post-race routine was equally iconic. They’d drape themselves in their finishers’ medals and head straight to the nearest bar, where they’d toast their victory and loudly debate whether LeBron James was the true G.O.A.T.
Years later, with more marathons under their belts and countless memories to their name, the Tall Sisters still reunite for races around the country. Allison, now a marketing exec in Milwaukee, ensures every marathon kit includes fresh chapsticks. Molly, an elementary school teacher in Madison, keeps the playlist upbeat with Disney soundtracks. And Whitney, a Milwaukee-based lawyer, proudly dons her LeBron jersey for every run, no matter the city.
Through life’s twists and turns, their bond remains unshaken—just three tall Wisconsin friends chasing finish lines, fueled by wine, beer, and sisterhood.
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