Q&A with Keith Brantly
Tell us about notable elite athletes competing in the 26.2 with Donna this year.
“In my opinion, the 2010 26.2 with Donna is the deepest, most talented field ever assembled in the Southeast. On the women’s side we are fortunate to have our champions from the 2008 and 2009 26.2 with Donna. The 2008 26.2 with Donna champion, Mariska Kramer of the Netherlands, focused on the duathlon and triathlon races in 2009 with several top 10 finishes in international Ironman competitions. Mariska is focused and ready to repeat her winning performance of 2008. She’ll have her hands full with the defending 26.2 with Donna 2009 champion and course record holder, Tatiana Titova of Gainesville. Titova could break her course record if she’s in good fitness. At, forty-four years of age, Tatiana Titova is the Russian version of the Energizer Bunny and she shows no signs of slowing down. Both women will have plenty of competition from Sally Meyerhoff of Maricopa, Arizona. With a marathon personal best of 2:35, Sally is the current American Record Holder for 10 miles and the 2009 USA National 25K champion.
The men’s race will be a barn-burner as well. Back to defend his 2009 title will be, 26.2 with Donna course record holder, Simon Sawe of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A dual citizen of Kenya and the United States, Simon is ready to defend his title and break his course record of 2:20:55. Simon’s greatest challenge to defend the 26.2 with Donna title will come from a legion of Africans, including Ethiopians Teklu Deneke, Mohammed Ibraham, Tesfaye Bekele, Worku Beyi and Kenyan, Sammy Nganga. Clearly, another course record is set to fall.”
What about the local field? What Jacksonville-based runners are expected to compete?
“Our local contingent is well represented. On the women’s side, local challengers will be Shannon Miller and Kim Pawelek, both of Jacksonville. Last year Pawelek finished ninth overall in 3:01 while a fast closing, Miller finished fourteenth overall in 3:05. The top local challenger on the men’s side will be Jacksonville’s Justin Jacobs. Running both 2008 and 2009 editions of the 26.2 with Donna finishing tenth and eleventh overall respectively, Justin is the clear local men’s favorite based on experience alone.”
Most elite marathon runners expect perfect road conditions with respect to footing and traction. How do the elite athletes handle the two mile stretch of running on the beach?
“Some of elites have reservations about racing on the beach. However, when I explain the stretch of beach running is on hard-packed sand and barely 10% of the entire race distance, those objections fade away pretty quickly. Besides, everyone has to run the same course; no one person is at a disadvantage. Plus, I think you’d be hard pressed to find another marathon anywhere in the world that runs part of the distance on hard-packed sand; it’s quite a novel and unique feature.”
For those of us who need to be inspired by all of this elite experience, who can we expect to hear from at the Health & Fitness Expo?
“Our headliners, 1984 Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist, Joan Benoit-Samuelson and Bill Rodgers, 4 time winner of both, Boston and New York City Marathons, will be giving their insightful experiences about running. The Health & Fitness Expo affords everyone a truly a great chance to ask Joan and Bill questions about how to improve running performance.”
As the Elite Athlete Coordinator for 26.2 with Donna, tell us what makes this race appealing to elite athletes?
“Three things come to mind; First, our cause. Many of the elites have been touched by the ravages of breast cancer through the suffering or loss of a family member or friend. Many of the elites feel an obligation to compete. And while it is customary for most races to provide complimentary entries to elite athletes, all athletes competing for prize money at the 26.2 with Donna are happy to pay the standard entry fees. Second, nearly $70,000.00 in prize money attracts some of the best runners in the world. In fact, this year more than ten nationalities will be represented on the starting line. Third, a marathon in Florida? In February!?....Sign me up!”
Keith, you are an elite athlete as well – a US Olympian competing in the Marathon event in 1996. What drives your passion for 26.2 with Donna?
“It’s simple… one very special person… my mom, Nancy Brantly. My mom is alive today due, in part, to the world-class care she received while undergoing breast cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic.”
