![Project Athena marathon set for Aug. 22 in LJ Cove](https://cdn.sdnews.com/wp-content/uploads/20220116171012/3V4J_projpic.jpeg)
On the heels of its Harbor-to-Harbor Adventure in May of 2014, Project Athena has teamed up with Peloton Global Distribution Services, an Irvine research and investment firm, to create a marathon trek down the San Diego coastline on Saturday, Aug. 22. Starting in La Jolla Cove, the project’s adventurers will hike 26.2 miles down the coast to end in San Diego Harbor, helping honor and celebrate women living out their dreams following life-altering medical setbacks. The Project Athena Foundation was founded by San Diego firefighter Robyn Benincasa. A ten-time Ironman Finisher, three-time Guinness Endurance Paddling World Record Holder and World Champion Adventure Racer, Benincasa was inspired to create Project Athena as a result of her own setbacks. After five total hip replacements, Benincasa aims to give these women a new perspective on life. “It’s not about trying to get back to what you were,” Benincasa said. “It’s about trying to be the best of what you’re capable of today, this minute. The most gratifying thing is the moment when you see someone realize they’re going to make it, when you see the fear disappear… and they realize how awesome they are.” 2014’s Harbor-to-Harbor Adventure started in Oceanside and ended to San Diego. Nonprofit Project Athena provides travel expenses, entry fees, coaching and equipment to help women make life-affirming transitions. For more, see projectathena.org.