Senior distance runner Edwin Klanke competes in the Big 5 Meet on April 2, 2022.
Credit: Samantha TurnerFour minutes is his magic number.
For senior distance runner Edwin Klanke finishing the mile in a time of 3:59.84 at 2024 Penn Opener meant more than a personal best, it was a testament to his grit from the moment he stepped onto Franklin Field.
Running has always been more than just a sport for him — it’s like an addiction.
“Once you get a little bit of it, you keep chasing for more and more,” Klanke said.
This realization began in eighth grade when he first began running competitively. After watching upperclassmen on his high school team get recruited in his sophomore year, Klanke set his sights on a new path ahead. Running in college wasn’t just a possibility; it was the next step.
After talking with multiple Ivy League track and field programs, Klanke found a team culture at Penn that felt like home.
“Coach Dolan really stood out from the others. He cared a lot about me as a person more than as an athlete.” Klanke said.
Donning the Red and Blue proved to be the right choice as Klanke has thrived with Penn’s distance program — a strong system that he lacked in high school.
Yet, this transition didn’t come without challenges. Adapting to the rigorous collegiate training cycle took time. However, just when he found his rhythm, this progress came to a halt.
During the summer before his junior cross country season, Klanke suffered a stress fracture that forced him to miss the entire season. Despite this setback, he spent countless hours in the pool to prepare for his return for the 2024 indoor track season. That injury was one of many throughout his collegiate career — far more than he ever anticipated. Nonetheless, the adversity helped him emerge stronger than ever.
“Right now, I’m feeling as fit as I’ve ever been,” Klanke said. “Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything.”
His successes didn’t happen alone. Klanke’s training partner, junior distance runner Liam Going, has pushed him to improve himself both on and off the track. By keeping each other accountable, the duo have built a lasting friendship while also trading program records with each other. At the 2025 Quaker Invitational, Going set Penn’s 1000 meter record at 2:22.95, and just under a month later, Klanke broke it with a time of 2:22.63 at the Penn Classic.
“It’s really cool to see him get through … a lot of injury struggles, and you know, still come out on top as one of the best runners in our school’s history,” Going said.
Alongside the struggles came triumphs that made the journey worthwhile.
One of his proudest moments was his performance at the 2025 Penn Classic. Focused only on his pace, hearing the rallying cheers of the entire Penn distance running squad fueled Klanke faster in the last 300 meters of the 1000–meter race.
While crossing the finish line, he knew he not only secured a personal best of 2:22:63, but also set a new school record. This victory solidified his legacy, showcasing the effort he put into exceeding expectations after his recoveries.
“It’s been fun to watch [Klanke] chase his potential as a runner. He has grown a great deal both physically and mentally … His perseverance and hard work are admirable.” Coach Dolan said.
While track runs Klanke’s life, he has also found interests beyond athletics. A political science major, he focuses on research with Professor Daniel Hopkins as well.
Looking ahead, Klanke hopes to make up for the cross country season he lost by applying to and running in graduate school so that he can make the most of his NCAA eligibility.
For now, Klanke has his eye on competing in the NCAA Regionals this upcoming June in the 800 or 1500–meter races and also
While he jokes about always coming up with new pre-race rituals, Klanke's accolades are fueled by his grit, dedication, and energy brought to every race.
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