Meet Mike

Participant Highlight: Mike Jovanovich

With 120 marathons and 50 Ironman finishes, Neenah’s Mike Jovanovich is a local legend. But for this Community First Fox Cities Marathon Legacy Runner, the miles aren’t about the medals, they’re about the people.

From the Y to the Finish Line

Mike’s journey started small: running laps at the Neenah YMCA while his daughter took swim lessons. It took him a year just to work up to three miles. Once he joined the Pacesetters, he found the “why” that kept him going. It was the camaraderie.

“It was about a group of 15–20 of us out on Sunday mornings, no matter the weather,” Mike says. “You didn’t want to let them down.”

A Hometown Tradition

Since the inaugural race in 1991, the Fox Cities Marathon has been Mike’s favorite tradition. From leading pace groups to help others qualify for the Boston, to seeing his Neenah High School cross country athletes volunteering at water stations, the race is a full-circle experience.

“Finishing in Riverside Park is special because I live in Neenah,” Mike explains. “It’s a very positive feeling, finishing a hometown marathon.”

Mike’s Keys to Longevity

After decades on the road, Mike lives by a few simple rules:

• On Persistence: “Never waste a day. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to work hard, but enjoy the journey.”
• On Preparation: “No deposit, no return. You get out of it what you put into it.”
• On Community: “It’s not about the race; it’s about the whole summer full of runs and rides with all your friends.”
• On Success: “There’s only one kid that’s going to win the race. So, there has to be a goal for everyone. Improving your own time is absolutely huge.”

Today, it might take Mike a little longer to reach the finish line, but he knows the community will be there waiting.