Orlando – Olympic marathon veteran Desiree Linden is set to add a charitable twist to the OUC Orlando Half Marathon on Dec. 2. The two‑time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion will start the 13.1‑mile race in the back of the pack, donating $5 to the Track Shack Youth Foundation for each runner she overtakes.
Charitable goal tied to each stride
“I’ll start in last place, which is what I’m not used to, which is a great spot, no pressure. But the pressure comes on with every single person I pass,” Linden said. “For every runner I overtake, $5 will be donated to the Track Shack Youth Foundation, which benefits children in the community.”
Why the race matters to Linden
Linden, who grew up in Michigan, welcomes the warm Florida weather after a cold winter up north. “It’s always a treat to get to Orlando. I live in Michigan, so getting out of the cold is a win that time of year,” she explained.
Career highlights that inspire local runners
Desiree Linden made history in 2018 when she broke a 33‑year American drought by winning the women’s Boston Marathon in 2:39:54, averaging under 6 minutes and 13 seconds per mile. She previously finished second by two seconds in the 2011 Boston race, a near‑miss that fueled her determination for years. Linden also represented the United States in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and competed in the 2024 Olympic trials held in Orlando.
Beyond the marathon: ultramarathon experience
In addition to road racing, Linden has tackled ultramarathons, including a self‑supported desert race in Morocco earlier this year. “We took a bus ride out to the middle of the Moroccan desert, and it was a lot of sand running, and so it was a self‑supported race over five or six days,” she recalled. Her next ultramarathon, a 100‑mile event scheduled a month before the half marathon, will test her endurance further.
Community impact
The Track Shack Youth Foundation, the beneficiary of Linden’s pledge, provides equipment, coaching and mentorship to local youth interested in track and field. By linking each overtaken runner to a $5 donation, Linden hopes to inspire both participants and spectators to support the next generation of athletes.
Looking ahead
When asked about her pacing strategy for the half marathon, Linden admitted the plan is still forming. “That’s a great question. That’s very TBD. We might have to circle back after that 100‑miler and make sure I’m in one piece,” she said with a smile.
With her proven record of perseverance and community spirit, Linden’s participation adds a high‑profile, charitable dimension to the OUC Orlando Half Marathon’s 50th anniversary. Runners and families are encouraged to attend, support the youth foundation, and celebrate a milestone event that blends elite athletics with local goodwill.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
