MEMBER: Daryl Santiago

Name: Daryl Santiago
Hometown: Skokie, IL
High School: Niles North High School
College: Dominican University
Occupation: Assistant Manager/Accessories Buyer at Philadelphia Runner

Personal Bests
5k: 18:14
10k: 39:44
10 Mile: 1:04:36
Half Marathon: 1:26:16
Marathon: 3:00:57

Career Highlights
Third Place at Chasing the Unicorn Marathon

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

By: Kevin Brandon (03/11/19)

Daryl, thanks for taking time to speak with us. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you end up in Philadelphia and running with PRTC?

Originally from Skokie, Illinois which is a suburb 30 minutes of Chicago. Moved to Philadelphia in August 2017 with girlfriend. She was offered a great teaching opportunity, we've never lived on the East Coast, and I had job that was easy to network with others in the industry to find a job/company in Philadelphia. I found out about PRTC when I started working at Philadelphia Runner! Learned more about the club through my fellow co-worker Breandan aka Skin n Bones and seeing others at PR running for PRTC.

When did you first become a runner? Did a specific event compel you to take on the sport?

Running was never my favorite sport growing up. Played soccer and volleyball all throughout high school. When I got to college I played on the both the soccer and volleyball club teams. The club sports didn't last long because it was not well organized.

Once you began running, how did your career develop? Take us through day one to today.

After the club sports didn't work out, I needed to stay busy and active. I missed training and having some sort of schedule of going to class and then getting to practice. Dominican University sponsored a local 5K/10K and the race offered a few comp entries. I decided to sign up, trained a few weeks for the 5K, and the rest is history. After finishing that 5K it was the best feeling. I had started researching other 5K events in the Chicagoland area and eventually discovered other distances. My interest for running really took off when I started working at local running shop back home.

What is a favorite running accomplishment or moment?

Hands down my favorite running accomplishment was getting that Boston Qualifier in 2016! I had BQ'd once in 2015, but my time was not fast enough to get into Boston the following year. It was very special moment after those early morning workouts, indoor workouts, and long runs in Chicago.

How about a not-so-great moment?

Missed a turn at a small local 5 mile race. I got separated from the first and second runner, the race took place in a park I've never been to, and it was my first time running that race.

Regarding your running future, what are your near and long-term goals?

Future and long-term goals for running are staying healthy, enjoy running, and get faster while I can!

Preferred pre and post-race meals?

Sounds crazy, but my favorite pre race meal the night before the race is a Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl without cheese and guac. Keeping it simple and a side of their chips. I'll have a bowl of oatmeal with a little cinnamon and honey a few hours before the race and Stroop Waffles a hour before the race. Post race meal is pretty much anything!

Has working at Philadelphia Runner changed how you view running in any way?

It's just great to see how big the running community is while living in another city. I enjoy working with customers that are either running for the first time or training for a longer distance event. I like being able to share my knowledge and stories with others about my running experience.

Any non-running related hobbies, hidden skills or talents we may enjoy hearing about?

Went to culinary school and worked in the food industry for a few years. I decided working in a kitchen was not for me and wanted to have a job that had a healthier lifestyle of living. Baking skills are a little rusty, but I do enjoy baking when I have the time.