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Thousands of runners crossed the St. George Marathon finish line this year for the first time. But Debbie Zockoll’s first finish goes back nearly four decades.
At nearly 20 years old, Zockoll worked for the city of St. George in the recreation department. All employees were encouraged to participate, and in 1976, she was one of only four women to run.
“I’m very thankful and I feel very blessed that I’m still around to do it,” she said. “I was very, very lucky and I’ve been very blessed to have the health and stay in it for 38 years.”
Over those 38 years, Zockoll has built up quite a collection. “I have so many marathon shirts that I keep stacking them everywhere because I have a hard time throwing things away.”
To this day, Zockoll has run a total of 232 marathons, earning her quite an impressive stockpile of medals. “My grandchildren love to play with them and they pretend they’re champions.”
Of all the years she has participated, Zockoll says there are two years that stand out. “In 1985 I was seven months pregnant with my youngest. That was a pretty memorable race. In 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember the first question I asked when I kind of got over the shock (of the diagnosis) was, 'Will I be ready for October?'"
Despite the bumps in the road, she starts every day living her life to the fullest. “I’m going to run every day for as long as I can. I am so lucky now because I am living the dream.”
