Joanna Stephens
QT: 2:43:47
Residence: Ada, MI
Hometown: Islamorada, FL
College: University of South Alabama
Age on Race Day: 25
Affiliation: Gazelle Elite Racing Team
Qualifying Race: Bayshore Marathon 2019
Marathon Best: 2:43:47
Social Handles: Instagram - @joannarunner
Favorite inspirational quote: "Every day is a new opportunity to get better."
Favorite book: The Woman at the Light
Favorite post-race indulgence: Latte and a blueberry muffin
Of Note:
- RN/BSN Psychiatric Nurse
- Husband is Austin Stephens; he is a left-handed pro baseball pitcher who played for the Traverse City Beach Bums and Alpine Cowboys
- Father became ill when she was just 8 years old; had a liver transplant when she was a young teenager and was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. He passed away in 2014
- Struggled with depression after a difficult year at the U.S. Navel Academy, which she left when her father was diagnosed
- Won the Bayshore Marathon in a course record, getting her OTQ in her debut at the distance
