Why I Run the Peachtree: Mickey Benson
Quote: I actually have every T-shirt from every PRR except my second year (1986). That shirt went overboard and is somewhere in the 'Hooch.
Occupation: Director Of Operations of Premier Kids Care Pharmacy.
Age: 46.
Resident: Bishop.
Number of Peachtrees: 27 in a row.
Why I run: It all started in college when me and a buddy of mine found out there was free beer in Piedmont Park at the finish. For several years we enjoyed that and then ended the day floating down the Chattahoochee River. I continue to run for the T-shirt and the fact that is such a well-organized event. I live near Athens and have all of my logistics down pat. I run the race, grab my shirt and I am on Lake Oconee before noon.
Q: Why did you start running?
A: I started running when I was in eighth grade in the fall of 1977. I have been a runner ever since and still run probably 20 events a year, including the Tybee Island half-marathon, the Atlanta half-marathon on Thanksgiving and local 5k and 10k races. I run to stay in shape and it is my escape.
Q: What is your favorite story?
A: I always tell everyone that I got fifth place and that the Kenyans got me again. I get funny reactions from that. Of course, I have never placed. I usually run it around 50-52 minutes.
Q: What is your favorite race T-shirt?
A: The blue one from 1986 that I lost in the Chattahoochee River on the same day.
Q: Do you run alone or in a pack?
A: (The) last few years I have run it alone. All the people I used to run it with have dropped off.
Q: What do you like about the race?
A: The fact that I can submit a fast time and be in a group up front. I also like that, since I am a member of the Atlanta Track Club, I can register early and pretty much guarantee entry.
Q: Would you make any changes?
A: Somehow I would love to see people not jumping into the race one or two miles down Peachtree Street. I don't know how they could do this but cheaters do not deserve the T-shirt.
Q: What's your favorite spot on the course?
A: Cardiac Hill. It is always uplifting to see the patients at Shepherd Center out in their wheelchairs cheering the runners on.
Q: Favorite song to get you pumped up?
A: I listen to a lot of old AC/DC and Guns N' Roses on my iPod as a run the race.
Q: What do you eat before the race?
A: I usually eat some type of pasta for lunch the day before the race and eat a very light dinner. The morning of the race I eat a piece of whole wheat toast and a banana.
About the Author
