Jelena Prokopcuka Travels the World of Running, but Keeps Close Ties to Home

Latvian superstar finds a “special energy” in her homeland

Born in 1976, Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia came of age during a turbulent time as her country fought for its independence from the Soviet Union. Through the times of unrest and upheaval, Prokopcuka, now 30, was preparing to embark on a running career that would earn her national records at eight distances and countless victories.

The two-time defending ING New York City Marathon champion and the current World Marathon Majors Series leader, Prokopcuka recalls little of her country’s political chaos during her teenage years, or of spending her first 15 years living under communism. Rather, she says, “I was surrounded by love and had everything I could ever ask for.”

Prokopcuka’s description of her childhood in the Latvian capital of Riga conjures scenes out of a fairy tale: hunting for blueberries and mushrooms in dense forests, tasting fruits and vegetables straight from the vine, and sliding across newly fallen snow on cross-country skis. While recalling these memories, Prokopcuka’s warm blue eyes sparkle, and a broad smile stretches across her heart-shaped face. “My parents loved me and protected me so that I was never unhappy,” says Prokopcuka. “And with so much beautiful nature, I always had something to do.”

It’s no surprise, then, that despite the opportunity to live anywhere in the world, Prokopcuka and her husband, Aleksandr Prokopcuk, who is also her coach and training partner, have chosen to keep their roots firmly planted in Latvian soil. “There’s a special energy about Latvia—it’s such a wonderful place,” says Prokopcuka. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.” 

Prokopcuka won the ING New York City Marathon in 2005 and 2006. The first year, she overcame intestinal distress and a field that included Derartu Tulu, Susan Chepkemei, Gete Wami, Lornah Kiplagat, Ludmila Petrova, and Salina Kosgei to take the lead in the 25th mile and hold on for a 14-second victory. Prokopcuka recalls the sense of destiny that she sensed awaiting her in New York: “When did I know it would be a good day? When I woke up, I felt it. But I was also afraid to think about it.”

In defending her title last year, Prokopcuka ran away from a stellar field featuring 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist Catherine Ndereba, American marathon record-holder Deena Kastor, and 2006 Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo to win by a minute over Ukrainian Tatiana Hladyr. Her victory made Prokopcuka the first female repeat winner of the ING New York City Marathon since Tegla Loroupe of Kenya, the 1994 and ’95 champion. Only five women in the race’s history have won consecutive titles: Nina Kuscsik (1972, ’73) and Miki Gorman (1976, ’77) of the United States, Grete Waitz of Norway (1978-80, 1982-86, 1988), Loroupe, and now Prokopcuka.

She will return to New York on November 4 to defend her title. A third straight win in the Big Apple would make Prokopcuka the only woman three-peat champion in New York besides Waitz. “This race excites me very much because if I win, I’ll become the second woman after Grete Waitz to win the ING New York City Marathon three times in a row,” she says. “This can make me a legend.”

But that’s not all that has Prokopcuka excited and inspired this year. She placed second in the 2006 and 2007 editions of the Boston Marathon, and these performances, combined with her 2006 New York title, place her first on the leader-board of the World Marathon Majors Series, a two-year overlapping championship inspired by the Grand Slam of tennis and the Majors tournaments of golf. The first WMM Series title will be awarded following the ING New York City Marathon this year; should Prokopcuka claim the prize, she will receive half of the $1 million champion’s jackpot. (Click here for more on the WMM.)

A two-time Olympian, Prokopcuka is easily her country’s most recognizable and popular athlete, and she has received several awards for her contributions to sport in Latvia.  “Jelena is already Latvia’s greatest runner, and one day she will be the world’s best,” says a proud Aleksandr, 36, himself a world-famous runner and the Latvian men’s record-holder in the marathon (2:15:56) and other distances. He saw her potential in the marathon years ago, and in 2002 he convinced her to run her first marathon, in Paris, where he accompanied her to a 2:28:36 debut.

Travel for races and altitude training in far-off places like Portugal and Switzerland each winter has Jelena and Aleksandr—who met 10 years ago at a track practice—spending less and less time in Latvia. But the couple definitely makes globetrotting worth their while: In addition to her pair of wins in New York and her back-to-back second-place finishes in the past two Boston marathons, Prokopcuka also has won the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run 10K three times. She set her marathon personal best of 2:22:56 at the Osaka International Ladies Marathon in 2005, and has also clocked 30:38.78 for 10,000 meters on the track. In 2005 alone, she established four new Latvian records. Still, says her husband, “she’s only getting better.”

Despite their lofty goals and worldwide travel, the couple remains deeply connected to their homeland. They are building their dream home in Jürmala, a picturesque resort town hugging the Baltic Sea. The 2,000-square-foot cottage, nestled in a wooded area, is just a quick run away from the white-sand coastline. Prokopcuka envisions hanging her framed needlework—a favorite pastime—on the walls, curling up with a good mystery book on quiet afternoons, and spending evenings cooking meals of chicken or fish for herself and Aleksandr. (“She is the best chef,” says her husband).

“We’re full of anticipation about the house,” says Prokopcuka. “But mostly, we are happy to be in Jürmala. It’s such a friendly atmosphere. We’ll go for a run on the beach and everyone will smile and wave.”

Being recognized is something Prokopcuka is getting used to. Her popularity skyrocketed after her ING New York City Marathon wins. She’s been named Latvia’s Best Sportsperson and was voted the country’s most popular athlete—a particularly special honor since the winner is selected by an American Idol-style call-in popular vote.

Prokopcuka blushes when she talks about her run-ins with fans, like the time she was mobbed by a group of Latvian schoolgirls after a speaking engagement.

“They all wanted to shake my hand,” she says with a laugh. “I signed autographs for two hours.”

Despite this onslaught of success and admiration, Prokopcuka remains sweetly modest and humble. But that’s not to say she’s against bragging altogether— especially when it comes to her country. When asked what’s the best part about living in Latvia, Prokopcuka gushes, “Everything. It’s is the most beautiful place in the world. Everyone should come and visit!”

But if you do visit, be forewarned: Follow Prokopcuka’s lead, and you may never want to leave.