Melissa and Jack Butler running one of their first 5Ks together. About a month after this picture Melissa ran her qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. / Courtesy Photo
Melissa after running the Boston Marathon earlier this year. / Courtesy Photo
BY ROBYN EIFERTSEN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Natomas resident Jack Butler is truly running in his mother’s footsteps.
The 10-year-old and his mom Melissa Butler, a marathon runner, regularly train and race throughout the Sacramento area and beyond.
The pair notably ran Boston Marathon events this past spring and will be running the Fab 40s 5K together tomorrow, July 25, here in Sacramento.
At 38, Melissa enjoys having found a running partner in her son. She said Jack began running with her when he was only 8 years old.
“I really like that he enjoys it so much,” said Melissa, a runner since high school owner of the “Marathon Mom” page on Facebook.
Jack Butler at the start of the Boston Marathon 5K for young runners. / Courtesy Photo
The pair warm up together before races and rarely miss cheering for each at the finish line.
“She motivates me a lot,” said Jack, adding his mom has taught him to “work hard and to like try your best…You will succeed and get to your goals.”
On March 7, Jack set a world record for the fastest half marathon run by a 10-year-old boy with the Association of Road Racing Statistics. His record time was 1:31:08, which since has broken.
Just two weeks ago, Jack took home two first place medals at the Amateur Athletic Union West Coast Junior Olympic Track Meet in Reno – his first track meet. He was the overall winner in the 1500 meter race with a time of 5 minutes and 24 seconds and first in his age group for the 3000 meter with a time of 11 minutes and 42 seconds.
Having his mom there was especially helpful.
“She knows what it feels like when you have to end and your legs are hurting,” Jack said.
Jack Butler after his 1500m win in Reno earlier this month. / Courtesy Photo
This past year the two supported each other during several races. Both ran the 10K in the Super Sunday Run at Sacramento State University and the Lake Tahoe Relay. Melissa ran the Shamrock ‘n Half marathon in downtown Sacramento and Surfers Path Marathon in Santa Cruz and Jack ran the Lucky Run Half Marathon in Davis.
The highlight for the pair was the Boston Marathon, which Melissa ran while Jack participated in the 5K for young runners.
“It was the hardest course I’ve ever done,” said Melissa, who trained with a local Fleet Feet training program nearby and with Jack by her side.
Mother and son are committed to each running one race or marathon a month for the rest of 2015.
Both have individual goals, too. Jack has set his sights on running a 5K within a time of 19 minutes. And, Melissa plans to participate in the California International Marathon for the eighth time this December.
Jack Butler after his 3000m win in Reno earlier this month. / Courtesy Photo
Melissa is also working toward earning her running coach license in August. When he’s not running, Jack also plays baseball and competitive soccer.
Melissa’s husband and Jack’s father, Zach Butler, moved to Natomas 13 years ago. The couple also have two athletic daughters. Jack’s sister Hannah, 13, is a gymnast at Rodina Elite Gymnastics Academy and his sister Caitlyn, 15, plays for the Inderkum High School varsity soccer team.
Mother and son train together. / Courtesy Photo
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