Zach Panning, Six Questions with the Man who made Orlando 2024 Men’s marathon an honest race

This is an interview with Zach Panning, who took sixth place at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Orlando, Florida, on February 3, 2024. Zach had the attention of the TV audience and fans on the course for 22.5 miles as he battled Connor Mantz and Clayton Young from the first few miles to the almost 23-mile point. 

During the broadcast, RunBlogRun covered the event live on-site and remotely. On our social coverage, we posted a story (which can be seen after this interview with updates) on Zach via X and Facebook. Zach was quite popular, as the story was viewed over 82,000 times during the morning broadcast. 

Many running fans identified with Zach Panning and his bravery in Orlando.

We thought we would catch up with Zach before the Boston Marathon week. Special thanks to Megan Still, Brooks communications, for reaching Zach after he returned to training after his marathon battle in Orlando, Florida. 

We especially thank Zach Panning for his honesty and thoughtful responses. We look forward to seeing him in his next marathon.

Also, a shout-out to Kevin and Keith Hanson, the brothers behind the Hansons Brooks Original Distance Project, the club that supports Zach Panning. 

RunBlogRun, #1.  Zach, you ran a gutsy race in Orlando; can you talk about that experience? What did you learn?

Zach Panning: I’m really proud of my race. Although I may have been a little too excited in parts and missed my last bottle, I executed my race plan, and I gave it everything I had. I have no regrets and know there will be more meaningful marathon races in the future.

RunBlogRun, #2: What will your Spring season look like?

Zach Panning: 

1. BAA 5k (April 13, 2024), 17th place, 14:45 (9,146 finishers)
2. Night of 10k PBs (May 18, 2024)
3. Olympic Track Trials (June 20-29, 2024)

   

RunBlogRun, #3: Will we see you on the track for the 10,000m?

Zach Panning: Yes! I’m really excited to get on the track and run some faster races this summer. I’m planning to race a 10k in the coming weeks and hope to get an auto-qualifier for Eugene’s Olympic Trials.

RunBlogRun, #4:  What has it been like seeing the outpouring of support after trials?

Zach Panning: People are why I fell in love with running and have continued pursuing it for so long. My family, coaches,…