[Neponset, IL] – A team of six employees and family members from global bulk handling solutions provider, Martin Engineering, spent months of training and discipline to prepare for the 2024 Chicago Marathon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Sparked by a close friendship that started in South Africa 24 years ago, the team turned aspiration into a worthy cause.
“The idea started at dinner last year with our business unit in South Africa, where I was talking to one of our Supervisors, Jack Selomo,” recalled Robert Nogaj, CEO of Martin Engineering. “He mentioned that he used to run ultra-marathons with Alan Highton (Martin Engineering National Sales Manager) and that he dreamed of someday running the prestigious Chicago Marathon. It was such a compelling story between two important members of the Martin family that I knew we had to make it happen, so when I asked if anyone else would like to participate, four more people enthusiastically jumped at the chance.”
Old Friendships
Highton and Selomo worked together at the South African branch of Martin Engineering in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Having built a friendship running together, Jack suggested they entered the annual South African Comrades Marathon, a punishing Ultra-Marathon of approximately 88 kilometers (54.6 miles). To qualify, the pair needed to finish a marathon.
“I run throughout the week and I’m a running club trainer on the weekend,” Selomo explained. “I like introducing people to running and I like to compete.”
The two went on to train-for and complete-in a total of 9 marathons and 9 ultra-marathons together. Promotions moved Alan to the United States and Jack into a supervisory role in South Africa.
“Life, my profession, and family took over and I stopped running,” Highton said. “When I heard that I was going to be able to run with my old friend again, I was excited to strap on the shoes and start training.”
Training and Discipline
After Nogaj put out the call for participants to join Highton and Selomo, a few brave souls raised their hands, all of whom live in Illinois near the Neponset headquarters, including:
- Mark Huhn – Director of Flow Aids
- Chris Schmelzer – Director of Conveyor Products & Wear Components
- Andrew Timmerman – Global Engineering Manager – R&D
- Kali Nichols (wife of Martin Engineering’s Travel Specialist Nate Nichols)
Highton pointed out that marathon training can be lonely, but support and building the mental toughness to finish is an important part of the process. Connected by a running app, individuals set their own training schedule and encouraged each other.
“I’m an avid runner with 2 active kids, so getting in 5-7 training days a week means hitting on the road before 5 AM to get miles in before work,” Timmerman explained. “I followed a training method recommended by my mom instead of the app. But misery likes company, so during the week the team was able to complain while still being held accountable.”
Race Day
With nearly 52,000 runners, the famous 26.2 mile (42.1k) Chicago Marathon starts in Millenium Park, snakes past some of the “Windy City’s” most iconic landmarks and ends in Grant Park. One of the largest marathons in the world, participants were cheered on by an estimated 1.8 million spectators.
“This is my 12th marathon and my 4th in Chicago, so I was able to pass my experience on during runs with team members,” Huhn said. “The crowds are amazing, and this marathon is always a challenge, especially after mile 20. I was really suffering from mile 23 to the finish.”
Highton pointed out some of the challenges of the race. One is the adrenaline and crush of runners can throw people off their pace, causing early fatigue. Another is, to avoid the crush, running on the side of the road seems like a good idea, but the camber (downward curve) can cause an uneven running surface, also contributing to fatigue.
Having travelled halfway around the world, Jack was the most enthralled by the event. “My wish to run an iconic race and participate in the fun atmosphere of a different culture while being able to see beautiful Chicago was a dream come true. This year, I ran with the team and soaked up the experience. If I get another chance, I hope to compete to win my age group.”
Running For a Good Cause
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was a great cause to run for,” Chris Schmelzer explained. “The researchers and doctors there are world class and turn laboratory breakthroughs into treatments for childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. They then provide these lifesaving treatments to families at no cost, which has an incredible impact.”
Listening to employees and supporting their causes is part of the Martin Engineering culture. “I know it sounds cliché, but we’re really supportive of each other like a family,” Nogaj pointed out. “That was baked into the culture long ago by the Peterson family ownership and remains to this day.”
The company plans to expand upon the goodwill of the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Chairman of the Board, Edwin “Ed” Peterson invites Martin Engineering partners and customers to join in the 2025 marathon where the company will be hosting events and celebrating a good cause. If your company has runners who wish to participate, reach out at www.martin-eng.com or talk to your Martin Engineering representative
