Jennifer Kramer-Mortimer, an alumnus of Colonie High School from the class of 2000, has devoted a significant portion of her life to the pursuit of distance running. Her dedication and achievements are now being recognized and celebrated.
On October 5, Kramer-Mortimer will be welcomed into the Capital Region Track, Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held at the Albany Marriott Hotel.
“Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I decided to join the cross country team in seventh grade. I could never have predicted the journey it would take me on,” she reflected. “The accolades and records are wonderful, but they are simply the outcome of discovering this community and the guidance I received from my coaches.”
As a former record holder in Boston College’s outdoor track program and a consistent name on Section 2 leaderboards for multiple events, Kramer-Mortimer began her journey as a middle school runner, making her mark early on.
Despite being younger than her peers, she felt a sense of belonging and support from her team. “I was fortunate to have coaches who believed in me and helped me succeed. I also formed strong bonds with the older girls on the team,” she said.
Over two decades post-graduation, Kramer-Mortimer’s name still graces several Colonie track records, including the indoor and outdoor 1500 meters and her sub-five-minute mile time.
When considering college offers, she chose Boston College, believing that the competitive environment of the Atlantic Coastal Conference would provide her with the most enriching experience. “I didn’t want to enter college already at the top. I wanted to be part of something bigger, and Boston College offered me that opportunity,” she explained.
During her four years at Chestnut Hill, Kramer-Mortimer made significant contributions to the program. She was a scoring member of the Eagles’ 2000 and 2001 cross country teams at the NCAA Championships, and set the school’s outdoor 5,000 record in her final season in 2004, a feat she describes as “surreal”.
This achievement led to her competing against the nation’s top distance runners at the Olympic Trials in Sacramento that year. “It was intimidating, but I felt no pressure. Just being there was like my own personal Olympics,” she said.
After her successful college career, Kramer-Mortimer attended graduate school at Simmons College, located less than a mile from Fenway Park. She appreciates Boston’s vibrant running culture, especially as the host city of the Boston Marathon. “Every time I visit Boston, I see countless runners along the Charles River. It’s like there’s always a race happening,” she said.
Kramer-Mortimer has also participated in the Boston Marathon twice, in 2019 and 2023. “It’s an incredibly powerful experience for a runner. The energy of the crowd and the course itself make it the best street party you’ll ever attend,” she said.
Since completing her education, Kramer-Mortimer has been based in Bedford, New Hampshire. In 2013, she left her job as an elementary school teacher to assist her husband, John Mortimer, in managing his running club and store, Millennium Running.
Established in 2010, Millennium Running has multiple locations and hosts over 20 events annually. The club boasts a diverse membership of over 450, ranging from recent high school graduates to octogenarians. “New Hampshire has been a wonderful place to continue my running journey. The supportive environment is part of why I still love the sport,” she said.
Kramer-Mortimer continues to compete in marathons and road races, and even attempted to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Despite falling short due to a stomach issue, she remains undeterred.
While she hasn’t returned to the Capital Region since her graduation, she credits her time at Colonie High School for shaping her life. “I am extremely grateful that my running journey began in the Capital Region, and specifically at Colonie High School,” she said.
Disagree – Doesn’t deserve it.
Disagree – Recognition should go to someone more deserving.
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