Long Distance Runner

International Space Station – April 17, 2007 – NASA Astronaut Suni Williams ran 26.2 miles just like the other participants in Monday’s Boston Marathon. But she did it while strapped on a treadmill onboard the International Space Station and she circling Earth twice during her run. Williams, a flight engineer, completed the marathon at 2:24 p.m. EDT in an unofficial time of 4 hours, 23 minutes and 46 seconds. Visitors to NASA TV could watch Williams make history, but the final moments of her run were not televised due to the satellite’s positioning. However, Mission Control reported that she shouted out “I’m done, woo hoo” as she completed the race. Williams, 41, ran with her Boston Marathon bib number, 14,000, affixed to the treadmill. She watched the marathon on a laptop computer as she ran. Williams, who first competed in the Boston Marathon as a teenager, said she hopes her run will serve as an inspiration. "I encourage kids to start making physical fitness part of their daily lives," Williams said. "I think a big goal like a marathon will help get this message out there." Williams qualified for the Boston Marathon when she ran a 3:29:57 in the Houston Marathon back on Earth last year. During Monday’s race, Williams ran as fast as 8 mph while flying more than 5 miles each second. She also ran under better weather conditions than her Boston counterparts who endured rain, mist, wind gusts of 28 mph and 48-degree temperatures. On the station, the temperature was a balmy 78 degrees. Williams runs at least four times a week and says regular exercise is essential in space to maintain bone density. “In microgravity, both of these things start to go away because we don’t use our legs to walk around and don’t need the bones and muscles to hold us up under the force of gravity,” she said. The Houston Chronicle reported that Williams' finishing time would be recorded along with contestants actually in Massachusetts, but that she will not be listed as an official finisher.

NASA astronaut Suni Williams runs the Boston Marathon while orbiting Earth on the International Space Station. She completed the 26.2 miles in just less than four and a half hours. For More Information Boston Marathon Results Boston Marathon Photos Other Stories from the Race International Space Station

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