Half-Marathon as competitive as the Daytona 500

Create: Mon, 03/04/2013 - 21:59
Author: Deb Denys
Photos for Headline Surfer / Five-time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson poses with District 3 Volusia County Councilwoman Deb Denys at Daytona International Speedway just before the start of the Daytona Half-Marathon. Johnson would go on to win his second Daytona 500.
 
Deb Denys / Headline SurferBy Deb Denys
Deb's District
Exclusive for Headline Surfer 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Speedweeks is more than just burning Goodyear rubber on the track for the Daytona 500! Think threads of a different kind as in Nike and New Balance for 13.1 miles in the 5th annual Daytona Half-Marathon.

At 6:30 in the morning on Sunday, Feb. 17, some 1,300 runners took their mark at Daytona International Speedway and east on International Speedway Boulevard to the World's Most Famous Beach and back to the high banks of the speedway.

It was cold; 37 degrees at start. I had the honor of dropping the “green flag” to start the race, but before, was an opportunity for a photo with Jimmie Johnson – who would go on to win his second Daytona 500!

It’s been said that drivers are very superstitious, so whatever worked this time, should be repeated for a win next time.

Guess that means I will accommodate and do a photo shoot with Jimmie Johnson and drop the flag again in 2014. But Johnson wasn't the only star. We had local runners and celebrities (translation: politicos) in the half-marathon as well.

Our county manager, Jim Dinneen, finished 6th in his age group at an impressive 1:54:06. What’s even more impressive is that he beat NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip by 13 minutes. Waltrip is 10 years younger than Dinneen! Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood also ran, finishing in 2:18.04. So, on 2-17-13. Dinneen burned rubber, beating Daytona's top cop, who is 12 years younger than the county manager.

Volusia County Manager Jim Dinneen / Headline SurferNASCAR drive Michael Waltrip / Headline SurferDatona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood / Headline SurferOur county manager, Jim Dinneen, shown far left, finished 6th in his age group at an impressive 1:54:06. What’s even more impressive is that he beat NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, shown in thew middle here, by 13 minutes. Waltrip is 10 years younger than Dinneen! Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Chitwood, shown at right,  also ran, finishing in 2:18.04. So, on 2-17-13. Dinneen burned rubber, beating Daytona's top cop, who is 12 years younger than the county manager.

When it comes to competition, it’s not just about the 500. Sometimes it’s about the 13.1 as well! Oh yeah, Jimmie Johnson finished the marathon in 1:29:48!

Did I tell you I had my photo taken with Jimmie Johnson?