Colleen (Stanley) Berry
Athlete – Class of 2024
Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology – Interior Design 1987
After 22 year hiatus from competitive running (high school) Colleen was inspired, during her daughters’ public school track meet, to
return to the sport of her youth.
Training solo, without a coach, but relying on the past example and
virtues of high school coach, John Petty she embarked on completing
the 42.2km distance simply to test her endurance and ability.
At the age of 41, in May 2006 she ran her first official marathon in
Ottawa, placing 4th in the masters category with a Boston Qualifying
result. The next official run was in Boston, April 2007.
In October of the same year at the Niagara Falls International Marathon she produced a second-place overall finish with a time that, though just shy of her goal, remains a personal best to date.
Colleen is instrumental in using Boston Marathon events to raise funds for local Special Olympics and Renfrew Victoria Hospital Oncology Unit. She also directs themed 5km events and course designing for the Phoenix Centre’s Run for Mental Health. Colleen’s mission is to encourage others to follow their dreams and aspire to reach their goals.
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Ottawa Marathon (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Boston Marathon (2007, 2008, 2010,2012,2015)
- Niagara Marathon (2007, 2008,2009, 2010, 2012. 2016)
- Colleen produced 23 Boston Marathon qualification standard times out of 24 official runs, including 7 age division wins.
- 2008 Bronze in the masters National Championship for marathon distance
- 2009 Silver in the masters National Championships for marathon distance
Contributions to Panther Sports: Cross Country, Track & Field, Volleyball, Bantam Basketball
Colleen is married to Keith Berry and has two daughters Brittany and Sheena.