Disney Marathon: Benton's goal is Olympic qualifying time

By JESSICA MUNDIE, Times Correspondent
Published January 12, 2008

Ten minutes doesn't sound like a lot of time, but to a runner it can be an eternity, even over the course of a marathon.

But that's the magic number for St. Petersburg's Christa Benton on Sunday at the Walt Disney World Marathon. Last year, the former Keswick Christian star finished second by only few seconds in 2 hours, 57 minutes, 25 seconds. This year she hopes to run the 2:47 Olympic trials qualifying B standard time. Benton has a few more months in the qualifying window.

Benton, 23, led last year's race (her first marathon) at Mile 18, but was passed by eventual winner Gabriela Trana, 27, of Alajuela, Costa Rica, who finished in 2:57:03.

Race weekend begins today when thousands of runners line up near Epcot Center for a 13.1-mile half-marathon. The main event Sunday, which drew more than 11,000 finishers last year, begins at 6 a.m. Registration for both has been closed for months.

Both races lead runners past Walt Disney World resorts and attractions. Disney characters will be scattered throughout the courses, making the weekend an extra treat for international runners and their families.

Adriano Bastos, 29, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, won last year's men's marathon in 2:19:24.

FAST FACTS

Walt Disney World Marathon

Half-marathon: Begins near Epcot Center at 6 a.m. today.

Marathon: 6 a.m. Sunday.

For information on spectator bleachers or grandstand seating, or to follow your favorite runner, visit disneyworldsports.com.

[Last modified January 12, 2008, 01:54:37]