My Story

My name is Kate Harrison, and I am competing in the 2013 Ironman World Championship.   The Ironman is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run (full marathon) for a total of 140.6 miles.  It is typically regarded as the most challenging endurance event in the world.  This should be an exciting experience and will require months of preparation and training.  The Ironman Foundation provides opportunities to raise money for charitable causes; I have chosen to take advantage of this opportunity and support the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.

This is a very important cause for me because in spring 2012, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.  Treatment included surgery and 6 months of chemotherapy.  I was inspired to sign up for Ironman Florida 2012 (even though I had never done a triathlon and didn't own a bike), because I really wanted her to see me race.  I managed to get the last available entry through an online charity auction.  With only 5 months to train for this 140.6 mile race, my mom was my inspiration every step of the way.

On November 3, 2012, my goal when I raced Ironman Florida was originally to cross the finish line within the 17 hour time limit.  However, I ended up winning my age-group and qualifying for the 2013 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  This time, I truly want to race for something bigger than myself by raising money for the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.

The Ironman Foundation is providing me with the platform to raise funds for the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.  In doing so, I am making my journey a race for a cause.   Please support me in my efforts to make a difference for cancer patients in Tallahassee; my fundraising goal is $10,000.  No donation is too small.  Thank you in advance for supporting the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center.Thank you in advance for your support for a great cause. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you in advance for your support for a great cause. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.


Thank you in advance for your support for a great cause. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Thank you in advance for your support for a great cause. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.