Congratulations for your victory Mr. Wilkinson, How did you become interested in taking part in the Gran Canaria Marathon?
Thank you very much Fernando! First, I want to thank you for taking time and effort to get to know me more through this interview. It is a privilege to be able to answer your questions.
I immediately became interested in the Gran Canaria Marathon this summer when I heard that Athletes in Action was putting a team together to compete in the Canaries. I am a partner with Athletes in Action and when my friend Matthew Sell, who lives in Tenerife, invited me to be apart of the team of Athletes in Action running the race, I was immediately excited about it, because I wanted to know the Canary people. I have heard how beautiful the Islands are and I like to worship God while running in beautiful places.
-We know you work in the Liberty University of Virginia, but could you share your background as an athlete? Have you had other victories in your career?
I originally began running to get in shape for basketball, but the Lord had other plans. I began running seriously when I was 14 years old and was on one of the best high school teams in the country. I ran in the university in Colorado and was not as successful as I had hoped. After college I did not know what I wanted to do with my running. I was running on my lunch break one day and ran into Khalid Khanochi, the world record holder in the marathon. He told me that I should run a Marathon, so I ran one 6 weeks later and liked it very much. I ran my fastest marathon in 2:19 at the Boston Marathon this past April and was 22nd overall. I have won 2 or three local half marathons, but never a marathon, and never one this big. I did not realize that this was my first marathon victory until I was getting ready to go to sleep after the race. Here is a video of me running:
http://youtu.be/OIBpYcxopbo
-What thing did you enjoy most during the marathon course?
I really enjoyed the excitement and the encouragement from the spectators. Even though they did not know me, they cheered for me and this was very special. I also really enjoyed the beauty of the Island. I like to use marathons as a 42 kilometer sanctuary for worshiping Jesus and the beauty that He created in people and nature.
-What things did you find that were different between this marathon and other races that you have run?
From what I have seen, Europe seems to do a better job of putting marathons on in many ways than the United States. The biggest thing that was different for me in this marathon was joining along with the club, Educere Sport (led by Basilio Labrador & Tere Linares). Educere Sport warmly allowed me and my Athletes in Action friends to train, travel, lodge & compete with them. They showed me Canary Island hospitality, helped orientate & prepare me for the race and I now have some new friends.
-Did you find the marathon difficult or have any difficult moments? Was there a time during the race when you though that you might loose the race?
Marathons are always difficult, no matter how fast or slow, because they are very long. At 25-30 Kilometers my legs are always tired, even if I am doing a slower long run for training. I did not have difficulty with the pace, but at 21 Kilometers I had to begin trusting the Lord even more to carry me one kilometer at a time, because I was getting tired from the distance and it was warm for me. I had to keep taking one step at a time and trusting the Lord to carry me one more kilometer. I was very grateful for the clouds and small rain by the beach on the second loop. This was a gift. I was not sure I would win the race, especially at 21 kilometers when I was running with Nacho Martin, because I did not know how he was feeling. I did not know I was going to win until I was at 40k.
-How do you see the level of competition among the local runners?
The competition was excellent. There are many good runners on the Canary Islands. It is great to see so many fast runners, and from all ages.
I really enjoyed running with the half-marathoners for the first half of the race. They helped me so much. And I got to run with Nacho Martin until just after the half way mark. I dont think I would not have run as fast without this competition and him pushing me faster.
-"He is my victory", is this your message?
"He is my Victory" is written on my head band and it is my message both to myself and to all who see me run. He is Jesus and it is through Jesus that I have victory in life. He has given me life, peace, and deep satisfaction in enabling me to know my Creator. My real victory in life is not in winning a race, but knowing God in a relationship through Jesus Christ.
-Is it easier if you have an extra help from up above?
Running is a gift from God for our enjoyment & to praise him with. He gives me courage and strength to endure & enjoy it.
-For whom or what reasons do you pray during the race?
I pray to God during the race, not as some sort of religious ritual or good luck charm, but as a conversation with the Creator. I pray and celebrate his strength and recognize my smallness and inadequacy apart from Him. Prayer is conversation, celebration & worship.
-What message or values do you wish to trasmit with the proyect of Athletes in acción? Anything towards social problems do want to act?
The desire of Atletas in Accion is to develop three dimensional athletes & coaches - body (physical), mind(mental/emotional) & heart (spiritual). A dream of Atletas en Accion is that there is a true Christ follower on every team, in every sport and in every nation so that anyone in any nation, in any sport on any team can know God through Jesus Christ. Atletas en Accion wants to develop & help people in all areas of their life and social problems are part of the sports community. Athletes are just as prone (or more prone) than others to need help with addictions, family problems, etc.
-Are you considering a return back to Gran Canaria next January as the winner next year?
I would really like to come back next year. I would like to bring my wife Mari, who is from Venezuela, and my son Noah so that they can meet all the wonderful people and see the beauty of the Canary Islands. Lord's willing, I will be back with my family next year!
Thank you very much and hope that we have you here next year.
Again, thank you so much. It is an honor to be interviewed by you Fernando! God bless you and the Canaries!
Fernando Bethencourt
