Meet Dr Anne

Meet Legacy Runner: Anne Siegrist

The Heart of a Legacy

When Dr. Anne Siegrist lines up for the Community First Fox Cities Marathon this fall, she won’t just be tackling 26.2 miles; she’ll be continuing a remarkable 35-year legacy. As one of only 10 “Legacy Runners” who have crossed the finish line of every single Fox Cities Marathon since its inception in 1991, Anne’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and grit.

A Trailblazer from the Start

Long before running became the thriving community sport it is today, Anne was carving out her own path. In the 1970s, facing a lack of high school sports options for women, she woke up before dawn to run laps around Appleton’s Alicia Park. That early passion blossomed into a lifelong dedication, leading the local dentist to complete 71 marathons and 13 Ironman competitions.

While she has run world-famous courses like Boston and New York, the Fox Cities Marathon remains her absolute favorite. For Anne, it’s the unpretentious, pure support from local volunteers and residents lining the streets, combined with the scenic beauty of the local trails and waterfronts, that makes our race so special.

Redefining the Finish Line

Some of Anne’s most cherished race-day memories involve her mother, Elaine, who became her unexpected training partner and a frequent age-group winner in the Half Marathon. Crossing the finish line and seeing her mother, who recently turned 100, waiting for her remains her favorite Fox Cities memory.

This year, the race will look a little different for Anne. After suffering a broken hip from a winter fall on the ice, she can no longer run the full distance. But the heart of a Legacy Runner doesn’t quit. She has adjusted her goals and is training to walk the majority of the course, with plans to jog down the final chute into Riverside Park.

Wisdom for the Pavement

As we gear up for race weekend, Anne offers timeless advice for the next generation of runners hitting the pavement: “Have fun, and don’t worry about what place you are. Makes no difference. Get a training partner for safety, don’t wait for perfect weather, and just enjoy the scenery.”

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate trailblazers like Anne who embody the supportive, resilient spirit of the Fox Cities. Whether you are running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we can’t wait to see you at the finish line!

Legacy Runner Club

It began in 1991 with the very first Fox Cities Marathon. No one was thinking about legacies—they were simply showing up, lacing up, and having fun.

But year after year, mile after mile, something remarkable happened.

A small group of dedicated runners never missed the start line. Through changing seasons, life milestones, and decades of memories, they kept coming back. Today, they are known as Legacy Runners—a living connection to the heart and history of the race.

Meet:

• Mike
• Fred
• Stuart
• Jeff