Finishing strong: longtime educator Denyse Hunsaker helps keep Zeman Marathon going

July 7, 2023

Zeman Elementary School’s marathon is a tradition that runs strong. 

“I like how every year I can try to push myself to get better and better. I like to cheer people on so they can get better,” Zeman fifth-grade student Alexa said. 

The event started more than 30 years ago with one of Zeman’s first P.E. teachers. Then, two educators decided to take the baton to keep it going. One of them is fifth-grade teacher Denyse Hunsaker. She’s one of the marathon’s biggest supporters. 

“I am a person that is very interested in and value health and wellness. I feel it's very important for kids to be healthy and this is just one way I can contribute back,” Hunsaker said. 

After nearly 40 years of teaching at Lincoln Public Schools, Hunsaker decided to run her last leg of the race. She retired at the end of this school year. Hunsaker spent more than half of her career at Zeman and shaped its annual tradition into what students and families know it as today. 

“Denyse is passionate about helping kids set goals and developing healthy habits so they can be successful,” said Rik Deveny, Zeman principal. “She has carried on the long-standing tradition of leading the Zeman Marathon for years. Her passion has impacted so many.”

Hunsaker was instrumental in helping the school get its race track and securing medals and running bibs from the Lincoln Track Club for the annual marathon. She also started an after-school running club to help prepare zebras for the big day. 

“I love it. The kids seem to really enjoy it. They cheer each other on. It's a lot of fun. It's something that children really look forward to,” she added.

The event also helped spark several students’ love for running, like fifth-grade student Madison. Her parents said the marathon ignited her passion as a kindergartener. 

“She was nothing but smiles the whole time and she's loved running ever since. Then our younger daughter Autumn, as a fourth grader, is now falling into the same footsteps and starting to really love to run and they look forward to this day every year,” Madison’s mother Tammera Mittelstet said. 

“I just really enjoy running because it kind of brings everyone together,” Madison said. 

Hunsaker’s dedication goes beyond upholding the Zeman tradition. The school’s community also admires her commitment to getting students to the finish line in and outside of the classroom. 

“She not only teaches the kids academically, but she also looks at the whole child and finds their passions and their strengths and supports them in setting goals and coaching them to achieve those goals,” Mittelstet said. 

While Hunsaker said retiring is bittersweet, she hopes her devotion to healthy living and the Zeman Marathon continues for future generations of zebras. 

“I just wanted to make a difference. I'm hoping that my love for running and my passion for teaching continues on through my students,” Hunsaker said. 

Check out highlights from Zeman's 2023 marathon below.

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