Marci Klimek: Class of 2006

The consistency of a positive, fun and empowering environment and their willingness to work together across three programs to put the development of student-athletes, as young developing people, first and foremost is a core reason why I continue to compete in sport 20 years later. Marci Klimek

Beyond PTS

Since graduating from Phoenix High School in 2006, Marci Klimek has built an impressive career as both an elite runner and a professional in the medical and legal fields. At Linfield University, she set school records in the 5k, 10k, and 6k in cross country while earning All-American honors and becoming a Northwest Conference Champion. Her success on the track transitioned into an outstanding post-collegiate running career, where she qualified twice for the Olympic Trials in the marathon, placed 10th at the Chicago Marathon, and secured victories at the Portland and Hartford Marathons. She also placed 12th at the London Marathon and 16th at the New York City Marathon, with a personal best marathon time of 2:30:28 at the California International Marathon.

Beyond the road races, Marci has made a name for herself in trail running, earning USATF national titles in the 15k and half marathon distances. She holds the course record and claimed an overall win – including against male competitors – at the Waldo 100k. Locally, she has dominated the Pear Blossom 10-Mile race, earning her 10th victory in the Medford race in 2025. Her passion for running extends beyond her own achievements; she founded the post-collegiate running team "Cascadia Elite" and has coached at North Medford High School, Phoenix High School and Mountain View High School in Bend. She has also coached adult athletes.

Marci’s professional career has been equally accomplished. She has worked in medical administration, spending five years as an administrator for the Shoulder Service at Massachusetts General Hospital before moving to Weeks Family Medicine in Bend. Most recently, she worked as a paralegal at Watson Law Office. Currently, she is taking time away from work to focus on her newest and "most cherished role" – being a mother to her four-month-old baby.

Love for PTS

"My experience with the Phoenix-Talent School District has been fantastic. I came to the school district in 4th grade and made lifelong friends every step of the way. Every teacher made a positive and lasting impact on my development. From Nancy Olson in 4th grade, to Ms. Murphy and Cesar Flores at Talent Middle School, who empowered me to feel cared for and seen at a time when my parents were divorcing. I still have a handwritten letter of encouragement that I received from Mr. Flores at the end of my eighth grade cross country season to keep working hard at running and at being a good friend and person. Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Flores created a team and positive environment that made running play and the season about friendship and honoring each person's effort and value. This continued at the high school level with Mr. Timmermen in Cross Country, Dan and Doty for the girls' soccer program, and Hans and Piet Voskes with Track and Field. The consistency of a positive, fun and empowering environment and their willingness to work together across three programs to put the development of student-athletes, as young developing people, first and foremost is a core reason why I continue to compete 20 years later. I feel especially honored to have had the opportunity to not only coach alongside Hans and Piet Voskes as an adult and continue to learn from them as mentors and friends today, but to also get to come back and coach at Phoenix High School for a season and give back to the program that gave me the gift of a core-positive sports experience that has continued giving back in opportunities to provide positive and empowering experience through sport to our community."