Women's Athlete Spotlight: Samantha Berndt is consistently getting better
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Samantha Berndt is one of those people who make long distance running look easy. The Prior Lake, Minnesota native has been breaking through walls while part of the Viterbo University Women's Cross Country team as just a sophomore.
In her freshman season, Samantha ran her first 6k race of the cross country season in 26:32.20. Since then, the now sophomore has improved in almost every race that she has ran since. She improved by over a minute within her first season, shaving her time to 25:24.60 by the CCAC Championships race.
She followed her freshman cross country season with an impressive track and field showing, setting personal bests in the 5k and the 10k races.
Samantha has continued to improve, setting personal bests yet again as she came into her sophomore season with the cross country team. This past fall, she ran a 24:23.20 6k at the conference meet to finish 23rd in the CCAC. In two seasons with the cross country team, Samantha has shaved off over two minutes of her 6k time, showing no signs of stopping.
This past season, she was also working towards something bigger.
The sophomore had been preparing to compete in the NAIA National Marathon in Dallas, Texas with big dreams of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. In fact, Samantha notes that the first female marathon runner is who has inspired her the most.
"One of the most inspiring female athletes is Kathrine Switzer, who was the first woman to race and finish an official marathon," says Samantha. "Women were considered 'too fragile' to run that long of a distance. Race officials attempted to stop her, but she kept going. I think Kathrine embodies the idea of feminine strength; she proved to the world that women are strong and capable of incredible accomplishments,".
With that in mind, Samatha channeled that strength and resilience that was found in Kathrine Switzer as she took to the marathon course on December 14, 2025. In order to qualify for the Boston Marathon in the 18–34-year-old women's division, Samantha would have to complete the 26.2-mile race in 3:25:00. In other words, Samantha would have to maintain a 7:50/mile pace for the duration of the event.
Samantha started the race, averaging a 7:54/mile pace for the first 5k. She picked up the pace to get back to a 7:47/mile pace through the first 13.1 miles. At the 25k mark, she continued to maintain the necessary 7:50/mile pace, and she finished the race strong with a 7:49/mile pace.
Her final time was 3:24:52, qualifying for the Boston Marathon by just eight seconds. Additionally, her time earned her a spot as the third fastest marathon time in V-Hawk history. Samantha looks back on the accomplishment with a reflection of her hard work necessary to reach her dreams.
"One of my biggest athletic accomplishments was qualifying for the Boston Marathon," says Samantha. "I worked over 40 hours per week during the summer and would run after my shifts. My body was so tired, but it taught me the importance of not giving up. Each run built my fitness and allowed me to perform my best that day,".
With her qualification to the Boston Marathon, Samatha hopes to use her voice to give advice to the next generation of runners. She wants everyone to know that her accolades do not come without hard work.
"My advice to young athletes is to never give up. Spend time each day working towards your goals, because even if it doesn't seem like you're making progress, you are. The grit you develop will allow you to achieve things you never thought were possible. Be honest with yourself and don't make excuses; if you're tired, feel tired, but give the day everything you've got," say Samantha.
Samantha continues to excel, racing further and faster every day. She will race in the 2027 Boston Marathon next spring.
Samantha leaves everyone with this advice:
"Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own journey. Focus your efforts on yourself and try to be a little better than you were yesterday,".