CONCORD, N.C. – Monday morning, Jimmie Johnson is tackling the Boston Marathon for the first time.
In fact, it will be his first-ever full marathon.
So far in 2019, he has logged nearly 800 miles of training in preparation for the 26.2-mile event. His longest single run was 22 miles and he was averaging 80 miles a week at the peak of his training.
“I’m ready for Boston,” Johnson said. “This weekend, I will be focusing on nutrition and final preparations for the event Monday.”
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will be featured in the Boston Marathon pre-event show, which airs Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on the Olympic channel.
As for the 123rd running of the Boston Marathon itself, it will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Monday.
Johnson is expected to be interviewed on the broadcast before starting the race, with the driver’s wave scheduled to take to the starting line at 10:25 a.m. ET.
To follow him throughout the event, fans can track his progress through the Boston Athletic Association’s marathon app, which is available on iTunes and Google Play.
Johnson, fittingly, will wear bib No. 4848.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” the driver said. “I’ve heard it’s the best day in Boston, and I’m focused on accomplishing my goals.”
When Johnson reaches mile 17, he’ll have his very own “pit crew” of approximately 100 fans supporting him at a cheering station put together by his partner, Ally Financial. The Ally squad will be stationed at the iconic Newton fire station, encouraging Johnson to power through the “Seven Hills of Newton” and Heartbreak Hill to finish his first-ever 26.2-mile marathon.
With this weekend’s Richmond Raceway event in the rear-view mirror, Johnson plans to spend Sunday driving the marathon course and making some mental notes along the way while “resting and recovering as much as possible so I’m at my best on Monday morning.”
“It's been a long road,” he said, “and I am stoked it's finally here.”