Working at Wayside Athletic Club since 1994, Nia Benoit was lifeguard, water safety instructor and head lifeguard. Currently, Nia is the Indoor Cycling Director and a cycling instructor. She has been successfully organizing the Pedal to End Cancer event for the last 8 years, making Wayside one of the most successful fundraisers for this event. Under Nia’s leadership, Wayside riders have raised over $212,000 for the American Cancer Society. In addition to working at Wayside, Nia is a speech-language pathologist with the Acton-Boxborough Schools.
Pedal to End Cancer event at Wayside Athletic Club
Recently, Nia completed her very first marathon! When we asked her about her running career, she told us that it began with the Wayside 5K many years ago. While she enjoys running, it became an excellent motivator to sign up for races after each of her pregnancies to build up her fitness. She typically signed up for half-marathons, and didn’t have any intention of running a full marathon. It was at the request of a friend, who was training for a marathon, to have Nia join him for a long run of 16 miles. She did, and It made her realize that she was already well prepared for a full marathon, so why not?! She utilized the Hal Higdon training plan and in just 6 weeks, she was ready to go. Nia completed the Bay State Marathon in Lowell in 4:16:34.
Nia with her biggest fans
Nia is quick to give thanks to her husband, Dan and her family. It is the races that keep her on track and focused on a goal, but it is her family that keeps her motivated and fully supported. Congratulations on all of your success, Nia!
Seriously, who makes mile 26.1 look that easy? Way to go, Nia!
