May 24, 2009

Greenville, S.C. - Recent Furman graduate Lauren Tomory ran her first-ever marathon on Sunday, May 17, finishing second among all women runners with a time of 2:59.27 in the Maratona del Piceno in Porto San Giorgio, Italy. A four-year tennis standout for the Lady Paladins, Tomory joined the Furman cross-country team during her senior year and produced several top five finishes.

The race was the 27th running of the Maratona del Piceno, with 3,412 runners taking part in the event last Sunday.

Tomory, a native of Vincenza, Italy, was recognized with Furman's Student-Athlete Achievement Award in 2009, an honor presented to the senior athlete who exemplifies the most outstanding qualities of participation, leadership, and service to the community and university. On the tennis court, Tomory racked up 51 career singles victories and helped Furman to four consecutive Southern Conference regular-season titles and three league tournament crowns. In her final season at Furman, Tomory starred on the cross-country team, twice earning SoCon Runner of the Week accolades.