Long-Distance Races Add to Memories for Recent Global M.A. in I.R. Graduate

Kyle Flemming

Kyle Flemming, Global M.A. in International Relations 2011, firmly agrees with Thomas Jefferson that “A strong body makes the mind strong.”

Flemming thus pledged to himself that in addition to devoting himself to his studies during his 11 months in the Global M.A. in I.R. program, he would run a long-distance race in each country that he visited.

“As an avid runner, I decided from the start of the Global M.A. program that there would be no better way for me to experience my surroundings and immerse myself in local cultures than to finish a long-distance race in each of the five countries to be visited by my cohort,” Flemming said. Making good on his pledge, he participated in the Eindhoven Marathon (the Netherlands), the Lausanne Marathon (Switzerland), the Goring, Woodcote, & District Lions 10K (United Kingdom), the Great Wall of China Marathon, and the Glacier Marathon (Austria).

Kyle Flemming at the Great Wall of China Marathon. Flemming placed first in the half-course.

“Training for and running in these races resulted in some very special memories,” Flemming said. “Still, the most amazing moment for me was when I finished first place in the half-course at the 2011 Great Wall of China Marathon. It felt great to compete with runners from more than 25 countries and see the most beautiful part of the Great Wall at Jinshanling.”

The Great Wall Marathon had unique challenges, he added, including more than 4,000 narrow—and often deteriorating—stone steps and many steep ascents and descents.

Although Webster’s Global M.A. program allowed him to join races in exotic locations, Flemming said his athletic participation was only a sideline. A more important goal was to take full advantage of “an educational opportunity of a lifetime.” He praised the program’s unique approach to international relations and said it allowed Global students to learn from each other as well as from a diverse, international body of students, staff, and faculty.

Global M.A. “affords a rich exchange of ideas…”

“I really enjoyed the Global M.A. program,” Flemming said. “It encourages individuals with distinctive views, interests, and professional backgrounds to engage and collaborate with one another in a way that affords a rich exchange of ideas about international affairs and global issues.”

For Flemming, the Global M.A.’s greatest value came from his interactions with faculty and the relationships he built with fellow students. And as a member of the Global Class of 2011, he said, “I’m pleased to now join this community of globally minded citizens in committing to a stewardship of improving civil society and creating a better and brighter future.”

Flemming recently joined the Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University, where he serves as program coordinator and research associate. Having earned a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio State, Flemming said he is excited to have returned to his alma mater. “It’s a privilege to serve as a member of a very talented and dedicated staff,” he said. “I’m especially fortunate to be working with some of the most influential scholars in the field of international relations.”

True to his belief that a strong body makes a strong mind, Flemming said he continues to run and hopes to participate in more marathons. “However,” he added, “since graduating and returning to the U.S., I’ve focused my attention on playing the sport I enjoy most—ice hockey.”