Editor’s note: This is the first in a series on three articles in advance of the Brookings Marathon. For more information on a weekend of races May 10-11, go to www.brookingsmarathon.com.

After 17 years of directing the Brookings Marathon, Matt Bien has stepped aside as race director with Danielle “Dani” Bohn replacing him in marque Prairie Striders Running Club event.

The 55th running of the nation’s third oldest continuously run marathon is Saturday, May 11, with the theme “55 and Stayin’ Alive.” Bohn says to expect somewhat of disco theme in this year’s shirts, medals and Victory Lap celebration at Cubby’s Sports Bar in downtown Brookings after the 26.2-mile event.

Bien virtually planned five marathons in three years due to postponements by COVID-19 (2020) and a community-crippling derecho (2022) and also directed the race in 2012, when it hit an all-time high with 232 marathon finishers as well as 958 total participants. He also oversaw the production of a Brookings Marathon history book after the 50th running.

“I don’t think there’s anybody better than Matt to be handing things off … I could not have asked for anything better as for the level of organization he has put into it,” Bohn said.

Bien’s 17-year tenure from 2007-23 ranks second only to Charles “Scotty” Roberts, who directed the race from 1979 to 2002, when it was known as the Longest Day Marathon. Bohn becomes only the race’s seventh director and the first woman. Bohn has twice completed the Brookings Marathon and is a frequent participant in Strider events.
She also has completed the event’s half marathon and last year was on a Brookings Marathon relay team, but she wasn’t the first to be asked to fill the post.

‘I knew … I was going to be doing it’

Bohn heard about the opportunity from her brother, Josh Bauman, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry with the City of Brookings. The department has been a steadfast supporter of the event and Bauman was asked about his interest in leading what is also America’s 25th oldest marathon.

“My brother reached out to me, thinking it was a better position for me. I talked with Matt on the phone and then met with Matt at Kool Beans (coffee house in August 2023). But I knew before that I was going to be doing it,” said Bohn, whose day job is senior human resources business partner at Twin City Fan in Brookings.

She said yes despite having children ages 13, 10 and 8 as well as her full-time job.

“I knew that there was going to be a heavy commitment to it, but I knew the leadership skills I have built could translate into other areas. I want the success of the Brookings Marathon to continue for many years,” said Bohn, noting the position will also serve as a forum for her to further develop personal skills.

Bien will step out of the picture on race day, but continues to assist with the transition and will help with marking the course on April 27.

Bien said, “Dani shares my passion for running. Her enthusiasm will carry her through the transition as she gains experience in the role. We have met a number of times over the past few months. I’ve tried my best to share what I’ve learned without overwhelming her. With the help of an experienced race committee, and Dani’s leadership, I feel the race is in good hands.”

Strong volunteer support continuing

Also, Bohn isn’t a one-person team. Most of the 2023 marathon committee is back in 2024.

Those members and their primary duties: Matt Buenger, course and multiple areas; Matt Schreiber, course; Natalie Buenger, volunteer coordinator; Jess Halvorson, food; Katie Jones, social media; Chuck McCullough, 5k director ; Lori Munsterman, financials; Derrick Powers, finish line; Marli Sayler, post race; Andrea Schmidt, multiple areas

However, those 10 individuals are just a fraction of the people required to stage the event, which sends several hundred runners through most parts of town. With aid stations to man, traffic to direct, medals to award, post-race refreshments to hand out and various other duties, the marathon requires 300 volunteers.

Thanks to some loyal organizations and groups, most of those spots are filled. However, about 30 positions are still open. People can email run@brookingsmarathon.com to volunteer.

“You will still appreciate being a volunteer even if you’re not a runner because there is a lot of energy out there,” Bohn said. While the runners supply a lot of energy, so do the volunteers. Among the groups to be out on May 11 will be members of Synergy Strength Studio, where Bohn works out. “

“They will have a huge group of volunteers working at water stations and hopefully fielding some relay teams. We had two last year,” Bohn said.

When Bien introduced Bohn to Prairie Striders Running Club, he said, “Dani is passionate about running and very much excited to open a new chapter for the Brookings Marathon.” Directing the Brookings Marathon hasn’t taken away that passion for running. She still runs 35 to 40 miles a week and plans to run her sixth marathon in August in Sioux Falls.

Asked what would be the ideal setting to start that new chapter of the Brookings Marathon, Bohn said, “A cool, crisp morning with all the volunteers in place.”