ANCHORAGE ? A pair of Alaska Anchorage faculty members proved at the recent Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon that superior athletic accomplishments aren't just reserved for Seawolf student-athletes.

On Saturday, June 21, School of Engineering dean Dr. Rob Lang and biology professor Dr. Donald Spalinger both posted qualifying times for the prestigious Boston Marathon with their outstanding times in the Mayor's race.

Lang finished the 26.2-mile course in 3 hours, 38 minutes, 33 seconds, placing 85th overall and third in the men's 55-59 age group. Spalinger was close behind in 3:38:59, good for 88th overall and fourth in the same age group.

To qualify for Boston, runners must meet a minimum qualifying time according to age-group standards. The magic number for men's 55-59 runners is 3:45:00.

For Lang, 56, the accomplishment topped off a year's worth of training for his very first marathon. In addition to self-discipline, he gives much of the credit for his success to UA's Wellness Initiatives Network.

“I started running in earnest, using Jack Daniels' ?Running Formula' as a guide, and progressively worked my way to more challenging routines,” said Lang, who has been at UAA for six years. “In February, I consulted with WIN, and my advisor, Brook, gave me a periodization schedule to lead me up to the marathon. His advice and encouragement were invaluable.”

Lang called running in Boston ? scheduled for April 20, 2009 ? a “great opportunity,” and said he looks forward to running the Mayor's again next summer.

The Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon, presented by ConocoPhillips, is operated by the UAA Athletic Department in cooperation with the Municipality of Anchorage.