Dobson runs at Disney

Matthew with children, David and Anna Marie

If you’re from Jay, chances are you have seen Matt Dobson running around town or in the New York community where he has lived for many years.

Dobson could be seen running with his Dad as a very young boy and holding his own. Through the years people have become accustomed to the tall, thin young man running in the dark, and in the rain and in every other element imaginable.

Dobson, the son of Roger and Nellie Ray Dobson of Jay, won the Florida state track title in the mile run as a senior at Jay High School and went on to become a conference 10,000 meter champion at Florida State University.  This milestone was achieved while serving as team captain his senior year.

Matt has won over 250 road races since college, his most notable victory in 2004 when he became the only American to win the Disney World Marathon. His time of 2 hours and 27 minutes adds up to an average of 5:38 minutes per mile for 26 miles without stopping.

Dobson is back at Disney World this weekend to compete in the 2nd Annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. The 42 year old ran last year and finished 2nd overall out of 10,000 runners. Dobson stated that “he has not trained as much for this race, but he hopes to finish in the top 10 and possibly win the overall masters title.”

Dobson graduated from Florida State with a degree in Criminology and from West Florida with a Masters Degree in Health and Physical Education. He works full-time with the Florida Dept. of Corrections and is the pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. Two accomplishments he is most proud of are his beautiful children – Anna Marie, 15, and David, 13.

Matthew is currently accepting clients as a personal running coach. More information to come.