June Podcast Guest: Dr. Mike Broeker
Running, Recovery, and Remarkable Generosity: How Dr. Mike Broeker Brought His Story to the Eau Claire Marathon
Some stories remind us how powerful the running community can be. In Episode 6 of Running on Air, the Eau Claire Marathon hosts welcomed Dr. Mike Broeker, a family physician from Eagan, Minnesota, who ran the 2025 Eau Claire Marathon after completing not one, but two living organ donations. His story is equal parts inspiring, humbling, and hopeful.
Mike began running in 2012 after joining his wife in a Couch to 5K program. She had to pause her training, but Mike kept going. He had never been an athlete growing up and even disliked running as a kid, but something clicked as an adult. He enjoyed the steady rhythm, the structure, and the challenge of progressing from shorter races to longer distances. Over time, he built himself into a dedicated distance runner and has now completed fifteen marathons.
His background in medicine shaped his awareness of the need for organ donors. As a physician, he regularly saw patients struggling with kidney disease and waiting for transplants. One of his patients received a living kidney donation and returned to full health in a way that deeply moved Mike. He continued his own commitment to generosity that began years earlier in medical school when he started donating blood and platelets. That habit planted a seed for something bigger.
In 2022, Mike became a living kidney donor. The decision felt natural to him, but he emphasized how carefully transplant programs evaluate potential donors. He appreciated the thorough medical screenings, the emphasis on donor safety, and the ability to ask questions at every step. He also felt grateful for unwavering support from his family, employer, and medical team. His recovery went well and he returned to running with newfound appreciation for what the body can do.
While going through the kidney donation process, Mike learned for the first time that living liver donation was possible. He immediately felt called to pursue it and began preparing for evaluation at Mayo Clinic. He completed a few bucket-list marathons first and then officially entered the screening process. In August 2023, he became the first donor in Mayo’s paired liver donation chain, giving part of his liver to a patient he did not know.
Recovering from liver donation required more time and patience than his kidney donation. He spent five days in the hospital, took six weeks off running, and gradually rebuilt his strength. Even during recovery, he knew he wanted something to look forward to. A friend who runs the Eau Claire 5K every year inspired him to choose Eau Claire for his next marathon. The timing felt right and he signed up while still healing.
He began running again in September and had over seven months to train. When he arrived on race weekend in April, he discovered exactly why so many runners rave about Eau Claire. He loved the ease of parking, the friendly volunteers, and the scenic variety of the course. Residential neighborhoods, wooded paths, river views, and lively downtown sections gave him constant moments of joy. He appreciated the community support along the route and especially the encouragement he received from a 5:30 pacer in the final mile when he needed it most.
One detail stood out above everything else. When he opened his race bib envelope at packet pickup, he found a handwritten note from a volunteer. That small gesture meant more to him than he expected. He saved the card and now keeps it with his race bib.
Mike shared thoughtful advice for anyone considering living organ donation. He encouraged potential donors to ask questions, talk to transplant centers, and explore the idea without pressure. He reminded listeners that organ donation does not stop anyone from returning to an active lifestyle. He also encouraged people who need an organ to ask for help, because a single request can create opportunities for donors and recipients alike.
He left listeners with a powerful reminder. Running gives us community, purpose, and connection, but generosity can deepen those experiences. Mike’s journey shows that resilience and compassion can coexist with endurance and training. His finish line in Eau Claire represents far more than completing 26.2 miles. It reflects a life committed to helping others and embracing every mile with gratitude.
Listen to the full June “Running on Air” podcast here: Running on Air with the EC Marathon #6 Donating Life and Running with Purpose Eau Claire Hometown Media | iHeart
