Glenview Triathlete Beats Brain Cancer, Keeps Racing For Research

GLENVIEW, IL — A Glenview man who overcame brain cancer is planning on participating in his eighth triathlon Sunday in Chicago. Brandon Starkoff told Patch he has been interested in triathlons since an internship in the International Triathlon Union more than two decades ago.

Starkoff said his battle with brain cancer has made it more important for him to embrace his passions and make a positive impact on other people's lives. Last year, he joined Team Brightside, a 100-member squad of triathletes of all ages who raise money for cancer research.

"I realized I can invest my time training and running these events while also raising money for cancer research and improving my own health," Starkoff explained. "It's a simple formula. Do what you love, with the people you love, to support those who need more love."

Starkoff, who's been living in Glenview for the past five years, said he does most of his training in the early morning before his wife and children wake up. He said despite the challenge of finding time to train, it is well worth getting up early to achieve a milestone for the day before it has really gotten started. Another challenge, said the self-described "huge ice cream fan," is to maintain a healthy nutritional plan. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Glenview — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Team Brightside has raised a quarter million dollars for cancer research just this year, $800,000 over the past five years and has a goal of reaching a million dollars.

Later this year, Starkoff plans to run the Cleveland Marathon later to complete his ninth Olympic-distance triathlon.

"At the end of the day, we run this event to kill cancer," Starkoff said.

» Find out more, volunteer or donate to Team Brightside

_{Top photo Brandon Starkoff | Courtesy Brandon Starkoff}