Dec 17, 2024

‘Speedy Spud’ races to highlight potatoes in BMW Dallas Half Marathon

TCU medical student and potato enthusiast Izzy Aguiar stood out from the crowd of 9,000-plus during the BMW Dallas Half Marathon.

Aguiar ran the 13.1 miles wearing a custom-made potato costume to highlight the nutritional benefits and energy-boosting power of potatoes. She was sponsored in the Dec. 15 race by Potatoes USA, which conducted a nationwide search select a “Speedy Spud.”

Aguiar, 24, from San Diego, ran cross country and track at TCU.

She shared with Potatoes USA that she strives to eat three nutritious meals a day to help achieve her goals, which include the triathlons she competes in.

“I still run because I find it to be a great stress reliever in my busy school schedule,” Aguiar said. “Another reason I still run is that I have been able to inspire other people to train for races that would have originally been outside of their comfort zones, and I hope to continue to inspire people.”

Aguiar finished the race in 1:39:28, taking eighth place in her age group.

Aguiar said she has to be selective about what she eats before races because her stomach can be sensitive.

“Potatoes are one of the easiest things for me to digest before runs but are also nutrient-dense so that I always have enough energy to finish all my workouts,” she said.

Aguiar said her favorite potato dish is hash browns.

“Every Sunday, my family and I used to make breakfast together, and my dad would make hash browns for us each time,” she said.

“I loved eating them plain, but also loved them in a breakfast burrito with eggs and bacon.”

According to Potatoes USA, a serving of potatoes contains 26 grams of carbohydrates, 15% of recommended daily potassium and 30% of recommended daily vitamin C.

“I thought it would be a unique experience to try out a race in a potato suit,” Aguiar said.

“I love a good story and trying new experiences, and I think running a half marathon in a potato suit will definitely be a joyful memory years from now.”