Running’s Universal Language | Albany News

Albany News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 10, 2026 · 1m

Joe Whelan, a top-ranked marathoner and Olympic trials hopeful, is chasing his third shot at the Games while preparing for the sold-out Boilermaker 15k — a race he calls a “big celebration” with beer tents and pure adrenaline. Starting running at ten and earning a Syracuse scholarship, he’s now fully immersed in the sport, using it to build friendships and connect across cultures. Though last year’s 13th-place finish among 8,000 runners was impressive, this year’s race may be less competitive after marathon prep — but his goal remains a top-20 finish. For Whelan, it’s not just about the time…