A "Fast Five" Q&A with 2019 Pros

Before they settle in for the grind of 26.2 miles this Sunday, we asked three athletes in the professional field—Allie Kieffer, Tatyana McFadden, and Jared Ward—their thoughts on a few quick topics on and off the roads. Here's what they had to say.

Allie Kieffer

5th place in the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon, 7th place in 2018

Allie Kieffer leading a chase pack in the women's professional race at the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon

Fartlek or tempo?
Tempo

Cross country or track?
Cross country

In a triathlon, what would be your second-best event?
Biking

Cats or dogs?
Dogs

Waffles or pancakes?
Pancakes

Tatyana McFadden

Five-time New York City Marathon champion (2010, 2013–2016) and event record-holder at 1:43:04 (2016)

Tatyana McFadden racing in the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon

Half-marathon or marathon?
Marathon

Road racing or track?
Both!

If you could design your own marathon anywhere in the world, where would you put it?
Somewhere tropical!

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I have a dog named Bently!

Waffles or pancakes?
Waffles for sure.

Jared Ward

12th place in the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon, 6th place in 2018

Jared Ward running the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon

Fartlek or tempo?
Tempo

Cross country or track?
Track

In a triathlon, what would be your second-best event?
Biking, definitely biking.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs

Waffles or pancakes?
Tough one to answer, but pancakes. That was much closer than choosing biking or swimming.


Watch Allie, Tatyana, Jared, and more pros compete in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, airing live on ABC7 and ESPN2 starting at 9:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 3.

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NYRR Staff