Have you met...

Martha Ettinghausen - the Most Long Suffering Marathon Widow?


We all know Ed, the Running Jester. He cheers us on at the start and finish line of most races in Southern California. We know him for his fancy duds, his funny signs, and his constant encouragement to the very last runner of every race.

What you may not know are the details of the woman behind the Jester. Martha is Ed’s bride of nearly 30 years. She is the mother of his son and three daughters. She is the one at home holding down the fort while the Jester is running the miles with all of us.

You know the signs Ed holds? Martha makes them.
You know the fancy pants Ed wears? Martha washes them.
You know the fuel Ed needs to be the running super hero? Martha feeds him.
You know the house Ed calls home? Martha cleans it.
You know the car Ed drives to all the races? Martha puts oil in it.

Martha has put in a few miles herself. She has finished both half and full marathons. She is a member of the Riverside Road Runners. Martha is a hero in the running community too. A gentle, supportive, beautiful woman that is gracious enough to loan her husband to us every weekend. I am honored to call her my friend.

Have you met my friend Martha? If not, look behind the Jester. You’ll find her. It’s worth the effort.