Despite a 13-year NFL career, it seems Jason Kelce wasn’t cut out for long-distance running… after the recently retired superstar revealed his 5K race time on his New Heights podcast.
In the latest episode alongside his brother Travis, Jason talked about a recent charity run he did in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, to raise money for autism.
“I ran/walked a 5K,” Jason admitted when Travis mentioned he was running, before the former Eagles center began explaining the day: “We were there, now we have a house there, it’s awesome when you take the girls to the beach and let them run.
‘So I tried running… I had my Monarchs, not the best running shoes. They are great grass cutting shoes, not 5k shoes. We started running and I should have known… first of all, we were late, so it had already started.
“We snuck in and got in, and as we were running, we were passing people and I thought, ‘Okay, we’re doing pretty well here.’ I should have known at this point, ‘Hey, we need to slow down.’ So we were running and Taylor says every 20 blocks is a mile, and he just says it. So I thought that’s where we were and I thought, “I’m making progress, I’m accomplishing this, I think I’m actually going to be able to do this.”
Jason Kelce crosses the finish line after participating in a charity 5K run/walk in New Jersey
Kelce revealed that it took him 45 minutes to walk the course in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.
“And then after we get off the boardwalk and onto the street, I think I’m a mile in, and they have a line that says ‘1 mile,’ and I’m like, ‘oh my gosh.’ Gosh,” and I know I have to get to three more, and there’s no way this is happening.’
At that point, Jason admitted that he had to start walking… “and then he kept walking,” after having “spent everything” to get to that point.
Continuing with the story, he adds: “It was difficult, I’m not made for this.” I’m living the story “The Tortoise and the Hare”, that’s what seniors are to me in any conditioning event. I’m going to get tired and they’re going to catch me.
On Tuesday night, the Kelce brothers sat courtside during the Cleveland Cavaliers game.
Playing with the fans, Jason (left) and Travis enjoyed a beer while in their hometown.
“Everyone smoked me, it was embarrassing. Pickleball and 5k are not something I can compete with older people in.’
And then, to complete the story, Jason revealed his time, announcing that it took him 45 minutes to complete the 5K/3.1 mile loop around New Jersey.
In response, Travis seemed surprised and exclaimed, ‘Jesus! 45 minutes for three miles?
Despite the slightly slower than average time the former NFL star posted, it was all for a good cause and raised thousands of dollars for autism. Maybe next year I’ll try to top it!
