My name is Albert Chopito, I am a Zuni Indian. I have been running
since I was in the 4th grade. Running is a tradition in my family.
Both my parents, Helen and Marvin, Sr., had been runners along with
my brothers. I had been competing in local races with my brothers in
the 70's and 80's.
I ran my first 1/2 marathon in Tohatchi, New Mexico when I was 11
years old. During my high school years, I ran for the Zuni High
School X-Country varsity team. In 1984 the Zuni High School boys and
girls won the State team titles and I finished third. In 1985, during
the track and field season, I ran the 1500 meters and the 800 meters
at the State meet. I finished 4th in both events. In 1985 during the
x-country season the Zuni high school boys and girls won the State
titles again. I finished 1st at the State meet. During the 1986 track
and field season I ran the 1600 meters and the 800 meters at the
State meet. I finished 1st in the 1600 meters and 3rd in the 800
meters. In the summer of 1985 I was selected as an alternate runner
for the New Mexico team to run at the National High School X-country
meet that was held in Orlando, Florida. Even though I did not run, I
had a good time.
I had been competing in local road races after high school, but after
getting a job with the Zuni Fish and Wildlife Department in 1989, it
had been hard to run competitively, so I kept running just to stay in
shape. In 1993 I ran my first marathon which was the Duke City
Marathon in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I ran it in 3:02:38. In 1994 I
ran my second marathon in Boston with a time of 2:59:11. In 1995 I
ran my third marathon in Boston with a personal best of 2:45:14. In
February of 1995 I lost my beloved father, Marvin, Sr. and in January
f 1996 I lost my beloved mother, Helen. At the 100th Boston Marathon
I will run to honor both of my parents and keep the tradition of
running alive in my family.
Here is a list of races that I ran starting in 1993.:
