Tractor Trot: Enters second year

Kroontje brushes off the questions and redirects conversation to the Tractor Trot, not wanting to steal the focus. But her friends are not afraid to speak on her behalf, rightfully showing off her impressive list of accomplishments.

“She will protest loudly. But seriously, she has an amazing story of overcoming the biggest odds to become a solid runner of many years,” Short said. “She runs early in the morning in all weather, and has the best running wardrobe too. She is the biggest cheerleader for others.”

After being hit by a drunk driver at age 23, Kroontje turned to running as recovery and therapy. It serves this purpose for her to this day. “It keeps me comfortable,” she said.

Running is also a source of community for Kroontje, which she easily finds within the running community here in Lynden. Every week, she and a group of women wake up early and go on a long run together. They’ve been doing it for over a decade now, offering support and solace to each other as they navigate both running routes and life together. From coping with illness to the joys and challenges of pregnancy - the running group was there to support.

“One of our friends ran through her whole pregnancy up until five days before giving birth,” Kroontje said.

When asked if she prefers group runs to heading out on the roads solo, she stands firmly on the side of group runs.

“Group running is a big motivation to get out and do it. I’m not that strong, I don’t know about other people, but I’m not,” Kroontje said with a laugh.

But it’s clear there’s an impressive strength in Kroontje. There are a lot of people who can say they run regularly with a running group, but fewer can say they have run an impressive 60 half-marathons.

When pointing this out to Kroontje, how impressive her story and running career are, she brushes off the well-deserved praise. She explains that running is therapy to her, as it is to so many. It’s just what she does to stay comfortable.

What advice does this 60-time halfmarathoner have to say to new runners beginning their journey? Find a sense of balance.

“It’s such a fine line between listening to your head and listening to your body,” Kroontje said.

It may seem like it would be hard to keep track of all the races she’s competed in at this point, but she still remembers that first half marathon she and her running group did together years ago.

“That first half marathon in Seattle was pretty epic,” Kroontje said.

Ironically, her favorite race is one she has yet to run herself, but that’s just because she’s busy being the reason a bunch of her fellow Whatcom runners get to enjoy it: the Lynden Tractor Trot.

“I haven’t actually run it,” Kroontje said. “But I’ve run the course several times.”

Kroontje said she wants everyone to come out and experience the race. It’s meant to be fun and open to anyone who wants to try it – regardless of skill level.

Sign up for the race or learn more about it through the GBRC’s website gbrc.net.

The race starts at Forge Fitness, 100 Drayton St., Lynden.