Background: Blanco was running during a physical education class at Rancho Buena Vista High his freshman year when he was spotted by an assistant track coach. The coach, Renee Ross, had an eye for talent, having competed in the 800 meters at the 1988 and '96 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. Blanco went on to have an excellent prep career, highlighted by two trips to the state cross country finals. He's 29 now and recently won his age group at the Balboa 8-mile, finishing in 45 minutes, 34 seconds, a 5:42 per-mile pace.

Impressive recovery: Blanco works in home construction. In June 2004 he cut his upper right leg with a circular saw, damaging muscles, tendons and nerves above and inside his knee. The cut required 32 stitches inside his leg and 32 staples on the outside. He couldn't run for seven months.

Injury, take II: Told by a doctor that he could walk but not run after the accident, Blanco took up golf. He was golfing at Oceanside Municipal about seven months after the accident when he felt like running. After playing nine holes, Blanco cut his round short, jogged to his car, drove home, changed into his running gear and went on a run.

Quotable: Blanco on his comeback after the accident: “The fact I'm able to walk, let alone run, it's very gratifying what I've done.”

Fast times: Some of Blanco's personal bests: 5K: 15:45; 10K: 31:54; half-marathon: 1:11:25; marathon: 2:38:13.

Jim Carrey fan: Blanco's favorite movie: “Dumb and Dumber.” “It's kind of embarrassing to admit,” he said. “But I love comedy. I love to laugh.”

– DON NORCROSS