Why I run the Peachtree: Julio Quintana
Quote: "My heart bursts seeing the patriotic affection for this great country of ours! I wish we would celebrate like that every day."
Age: 53
Residence: Marietta
Number of Peachtrees: This year will be my 33rd in a row.
Why do you run? The Peachtree has become a tradition for me and my family. As my children have grown — turning 10 years old is a milestone because they are able to finally run the race. My children — 23, 21, 14 and 12 — are all runners. The two oldest finish in the top 250, the third barely missed the top 1,000 and the youngest ran close to an hour. I am another story. I used to run in 38-39 minutes and have progressively gone backward. This year my family will be joined by two girlfriends.
Why did you start running? I started running my freshman year in college in 1976. I was a football player in high school and needed a new outlet. I joined the Florida Track Club when I was in Gainesville, Fla.
What is your favorite story? I tell people about the joy and pleasure I get from running the race. Last year I was in San Diego working on a project and was at risk of missing the race. The CFO of the company I was working at is a runner and heard my story. He allowed me to fly back to Atlanta [to] run the race, and I returned that evening, preserving my streak.
What is your favorite tradition? The night before we all have a great meal. Everyone goes to bed early, and 4:30 a.m. is a mad rush to get ready. My wife, who doesn't run, always sits in the same place. That evening it is back to Lenox [Square] for the fireworks.
What is your favorite race T-shirt? I really don't have a favorite. I wear the shirt once, and then store it away. I did have one stolen while on a business trip; it was the only one that had blue arm bands on the sleeve.
Do you run alone or in a pack? Alone.
What do you like about the race? I like the crowd, and the signs that people hold up for their love ones. I also used to like seeing the twins in their Fourth of July outfits.
Would you make any changes? Don't expand the numbers. The race has something for everyone, but the uniqueness of limited runners has always been a tradition.
Where is your favorite spot on the course? Earlier, it was seeing my family at the tennis courts in Piedmont Park. Now, it's seeing them near the finish line as I struggle the last mile.
What is your prerace favorite food? Pasta! What else?
What about postrace? Stopping at Waffle House and in the evening wearing our Peachtree — the only time I wear mine, before storing [it] — T-shirts to the fireworks at Lenox.
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