More than 26,000 runners in the 40th annual LA marathon on March 15, had the same goal; cross the finish line. Savannah Berry, born and raised in Bakersfield, crossed that line in third place.

Placing third overall in the women’s division Berry explained, “My thought process throughout the LA marathon was to make my family and community proud. Everyone around me also invests so much into my running and training. Every race I want to reflect their commitment as well as my own in my result.”

Berry said her training for this marathon included two workouts a week and a long run every weekend but clarifies all running and marathon training builds on itself over the years. “The most important thing to do during marathon training is staying consistent.” Berry said. “The way you can do that is by spending just as much time prioritizing recovery as you do your running. Recovery allows you to be consistent and feel your best throughout the training.”

Berry express placing 3rd in the LA marathon gave her motivation and inspired her to believe she has the ability to place on the podium at big races. She now is in preparation for a fall marathon but hoping to throw in smaller races during the spring and summer.

Berry is from East Bakersfield and started her running career in the 4th grade, “Some of my favorite memories of running in Bakersfield was of running in the foothills while my dad either jogged or biked near me, mostly biking as I got older. My Aunt taking me to run with her local running group, the donut shop racers. Also, my mom taking me to local 5k and 10k races like the Fog run, toad’s, or the summer series.” Berry attended Highland High School from 2010-2014, later moving away for college, “Bakersfield is a home to me and gives me feelings of nostalgia.” Berry said.

When Berry doesn’t have her running shoes on, she loves spending time with her family, especially her nephews. She explained, “I love doing anything outside like cross-country skiing in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer. I also love to bake, and I am working on perfecting the art of sourdough bread making!”

When asked what advice she would give to anyone in Bakersfield wanting to participate in marathon running, she said “Enjoy the process and enjoy what you do. Running is a lot easier if you can find the fun in it. Especially when you are doing tons of miles to train for a marathon, it is important to find ways to make it fun and exciting! Meeting up with friends, challenging yourself, trying a new scenic route, or jumping into local fun runs can all make the process more enjoyable.” As Berry trains for her next race, she hopes to inspire others.