Bevans Teams
Announcing the Black Unicorn Marathoners - 2026 Team Bevans
The 2026 Honorary Team Bevans' athletes carry forward the enduring legacy of Marilyn Bevans—a pioneer who redefined what was possible in distance running when she became the first U.S. born Black woman to break the three-hour mark at the 1975 Boston Marathon. Like Bevans, these athletes embody resilience, excellence, and a commitment to elevating others through the sport. Whether through elite performance, transformative coaching, or community leadership, each athlete reflects Bevans’ trailblazing spirit—proving that success is not only measured in finish times, but in the doors opened and the lives inspired along the way.
You can meet our Athletes at the
Black Unicorn Marathoners Celebration!
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Roxbury Community College
Student Commons Building
(Steps from the Reggie Lewis)
Event is free & open to the public.
Register via this link: https://bit.ly/blackunicornmarathoners
Website: blackunicornmarathoners.org
Jetola Anderson-Blair
Jetola Anderson-Blair has built a remarkable distance running career defined by consistency, resilience, and historic achievement. Since beginning her journey in 2010, she has completed more than 200 half marathons and 137 full marathons—an extraordinary volume that places her among the sport’s most dedicated competitors.
A more than 40-time Boston qualifier, Anderson-Blair has completed the Boston Marathon 12 consecutive times and is set to earn her 13th finish in 2026, further securing her legacy status. She has also achieved legacy status at the Chevron Houston Marathon with 11 finishes. In 2024, she reached a major milestone by completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors, earning her sixth star in Tokyo despite racing on a recently broken ankle—an effort emblematic of her grit.
Her running résumé spans 20 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as she continues her pursuit of completing a marathon in all 50 states.
A certified RCCA running coach, Anderson-Blair is equally passionate about developing others, finding purpose in guiding athletes toward their goals. A marathon specialist at heart, she considers the Boston Marathon her favorite race and—true to her competitive spirit—calls the 5K distance her most challenging event. Anderson-Blair is also a proud and vocal admirer of marathon legend Meb Keflezighi and self-proclaimed as Meb’s number one fan!
Maria Romano
Maria Romano is a veteran coach and endurance athlete whose impact on the running community spans more almost two decades. Since 2010, she has coached athletes of all ages—from youth to seniors—bringing a philosophy rooted in consistency, continuity, and a deep passion for the sport.
Romano began her competitive journey in 2009 as a racewalker before transitioning to distance running, where she has since completed 50 marathons and more than 350 half marathons and 5Ks combined. A Boston Marathon qualifier in 2017, she has run the TCS New York City Marathon 14 times and the Boston Marathon three times. She is also a Seven Star finisher of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
As President and Head Coach of the Quicksilver Striders, a competitive New York-based running club she helped establish, Romano leads and mentors a roster of more than 150 athletes. Under her guidance, numerous runners have achieved Boston and New York City Marathon qualifying times.
Romano’s coaching legacy is defined not only by performance results, but by her unwavering commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the course.
Nialah Ferrer
Nialah Ferrer, widely known as Coach Nih, is a dynamic running coach based in the Washington, D.C. area and an Assistant Coach with We Run Kings (TeamWRK), a Brooklyn-based organization dedicated to transforming lives through running and fitness.
Originally from New York City, Ferrer remains deeply connected to the running communities in both NYC and D.C. As an athlete, she is a two-time Boston Marathon qualifier and has completed six of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. She is also actively pursuing a half marathon in all 50 states.
Ferrer’s coaching résumé reflects both scale and impact. Between 2023 and 2024, she helped lead a team of coaches that prepared more than 50 athletes for the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon in partnership with the Nipsey Hussle Foundation. She also collaborated with NYU on a 16-week lifestyle intervention and research study supporting Black New Yorkers living with conditions such as pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Known for her hands-on approach, Ferrer has paced hundreds of runners in weekly sessions and guided athletes to milestone performances, including sub-2:00 and sub-1:45 half marathons.
Outside of coaching, Ferrer is a full-time practicing attorney. Her dual career informs her holistic coaching philosophy, emphasizing balance, sustainability, and the pursuit of a healthy, high-performing lifestyle.
2025: 50th Anniversary Team
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Bevans’ legendary run at the 1975 Boston Marathon. To commemorate this moment, the Black Unicorn Marathoners honor a new class of athletes whose stories reflect the depth and strength of Bevans' enduring legacy.
Tay Artis
A respected athlete and connector in the running community. Tay’s leadership and energy continue to inspire runners across generations.
Alisa Harvey
Returning from the 2023 inaugural team, Alisa brings with her decades of experience and a legacy of trailblazing in track and distance running.
Erica Stanley-Dottin
Record-setting marathoner and advocate for Black women’s visibility in endurance sport. Erica’s voice and presence reflect the power of representation.
Michelle Wheeler
Returning honoree, Michelle exemplifies what it means to pursue excellence in all areas of life—sport, family, and service.
2024 Team Marilyn Bevans
The 2024 team reflects a powerful mix of elite athletes, health professionals, and community builders—each connected by purpose and passion. Their accomplishments go beyond the course, inspiring future generations of runners.
Madie Boreman
National-level middle-distance runner with standout personal bests: 4:10 in the 1500m, 9:22 in the steeplechase. A multi-time race winner, Madie is committed to empowering young girls through sport and self-expression.
Ari Hendrix
A V.O2 Certified Coach and elite marathoner with a 2:35:13 PR. A 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, Ari’s work and racing elevate visibility for African American and LGBTQIA+ athletes.
Jen Kanyugi
Celebrated her 20th consecutive Boston Marathon in 2024. Known for her community advocacy and work with youth programs, Jen balances athletic grit with a deep commitment to service.
Dr. Benita Stephens
Board-certified OB/GYN and Obesity Medicine specialist with 26 marathons completed. A Six Star Finisher and Guinness World Record holder, Dr. Stephens is a champion for women’s health and excellence in aging.
Michelle Wheeler
Elite para-athlete and licensed mental health counselor. She’s a champion of the LA and Philadelphia Marathons and currently preparing for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris—all while balancing family life and professional commitments.
2023 Inaugural Team
The inaugural Team Marilyn Bevans debuted in 2023 with four extraordinary women whose impact spans generations and distances. These athletes continue to break barriers and inspire with every mile.
Alisa Harvey
High school All-American, four-time Olympic Trials qualifier, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, and four-time winner of the Army Ten-Miler. A career rooted in consistency, speed, and national recognition.
Sika Henry
The first Black woman to be recognized as a professional triathlete (2021). She's a two-time One City Marathon winner and holds the 100K Virginia State Record. Sika's story is one of bold perseverance and visibility in elite multisport competition.
Ingrid Walters
Champion of the 2019 LA Marathon, with additional podium finishes at the Chicago and Orange County Marathons. She's a standout in Masters competition and a fierce competitor across disciplines.
Shawanna White
The 8th fastest American-born Black female marathoner and the record holder for the most sub-3-hour marathons by a U.S.-born Black woman. A true model of resilience and excellence.
Team Marilyn Bevans
Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Excellence. Connecting Generations.
Team Marilyn Bevans was created to honor the groundbreaking legacy of Marilyn Bevans, the first U.S.-born African American woman to run a sub-3-hour marathon. In 1975, she made history at the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:55:52 and paved the way for generations of Black women athletes.
Each year, the Black Unicorn Marathoners recognize a group of outstanding runners whose stories and achievements reflect Marilyn’s strength, grace, and lasting influence. Through this team, we celebrate excellence, connect across generations, and uplift Black women on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.