Ben Payne
Men's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:17:15
Qualifying Race: 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Date of Birth
09/16/81
Age on Race Day
42
Current Residence
Colorado Springs, CO
Hometown
Arvada, CO
High School
Faith Christian High School (CO)
Current Affiliation
rabbitELITE
Profession
Pilot for Southwest Airlines and Colorado Air National Guard
Marathon PB
2:15:46
First Trials qualification
No
Previous Trials
2016, 2020
Number of attempts to qualify
1
College(s)
U.S. Air Force Academy
Career Highlights
9th; 2016 New York City Marathon (4th American); 17th, 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon; 31st, 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon; 2015 World Military Games 5K; 2019 World Military Games 10k; 2015 Bolder Boulder 10K Champion
Family
My wife, Erin, and I have been blessed with three crazy fun kids and my biggest fans: Palmer (6), Bria (4), Piper (3). (They are excited to sail on our first Disney Cruise following the Orlando Trials weekend!) I am the firstborn of 9 kids (5 brothers, 3 sisters), and favorite uncle to 20 nieces/nephews!
Greatest Accomplishment
The privilege of serving the last 19+ years as an officer in the United States Air Force, including multiple overseas deployments supporting US Special Operations forces. We have much to be thankful for in this great country!
Interesting Story
I am one of a handful of masters athletes competing in the Trials. Orlando will be my 16th marathon since my first in 2006 (with two of those being the magical Walt Disney World Marathon - 4th in 2012 and 2014).
Favorite Book
Bible
Favorite Movie
Unbroken
Favorite TV Show/Series
Amazing Race
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Burger and beer
Favorite Breakfast
Anything Kodiak Cakes
Favorite Motivational Quote
"A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory" - Louis Zamperini
Favorite Running Memory
Most unique marathon was 2010 Athens Marathon, competing for Team USA in the World Military Marathon Championship;
hottest place I've raced: Djibouti, Africa (Grand Bara Desert 15K)
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