Athlete Bios

Kelsey Pontius

Women's Marathon

Qualifying Time: 2:34:24
Qualifying Race: 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon

Kelsey Pontius
Date of Birth

09/05/91

Age on Race Day

32

Current Residence

Jacksonville, FL

Hometown

Jacksonville, FL

High School

Fletcher High School

Current Affiliation

1st Place Sports

Profession

Sports dietitian, owner of Meteor Nutrition

Marathon PB

2:34:24

Social Media
First Trials qualification

Yes

Previous Trials

2020

Number of attempts to qualify

1

College(s)

Campbell University (soccer)

Career Highlights
2020 and 2024 qualifier for U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Marathon; 18th, 2022 USATF Half Marathon Championships; 12th, 2021 USATF U.S. 15K Championships
Family
My husband ran D III at Wilmington College. We are now the proud parents of a 5-year-old boxer, Gully. My older sister ran cross country for a season and ran a 19-minute 5k as a freshman moments after eating a Cinnabon. She quit that year to pursue surfing. Also had an older brother that excelled in skateboarding.My husband's parents are avid runners and particularly enjoy Disney Marathons. My own parents are big supporters of my own success.
Greatest Accomplishment
Having success within my own business, Meteor Nutrition, where I help athletes learn how to fuel to meet their health and performance goals. I am so proud of it because many of these athletes have been told very different messages about how to fuel (or not fuel) their body. Through educating them and working together, they are able to meet their full potential as athletes and have longevity in their sports.
Interesting Story
I had a rather challenging, unsuccessful college soccer experience. Since the time I was 3, there was no place I'd rather be but the soccer field. Therefore, having a tough experience once I got to the collegiate level was really challenging. My sophomore year, I had multiple concussions and between not being fulfilled and injured, I transferred and quit playing. I started running as a means of staying in shape and meeting friends. I got a part-time job at Lululemon Athletica and was invited to run a 50K. I had no idea how long that was in miles and said yes. Out on the course, I fell in love with racing and started signing up for races shortly after. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing coach, Matt, who helped me develop in the sport as an adult considering that I didn't run in high school or college. He is still my coach and has helped me qualify twice for the Trials.
Favorite Book

1984

Favorite Movie

Shawshank Redemption

Favorite TV Show/Series

Queer Eye

Favorite Song

Anything by Jay Z

Favorite Post-race Indulgence

Wine

Favorite Breakfast

Belgian waffles with either berries or chocolate chips and yogurt with maple syrup

Favorite Motivational Quote
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." - Mike Tyson
Favorite Running Memory
Vacation to Crested Butte with my friends where my husband proposed