1/2 Way to Christmas Half Marathon
All I want for Christmas is another PR, or two.
The 1/2 Way to Christmas is a fun Christmas themed race in July, with events including a 1/2 Marathon, 1 mile, 5k, 10k, and a Beast 3 race challenge. All races are on the Great Miami Recreational Trail in Miamisburg along the river, and include Christmas themed aid stations, finisher photos, and breakfast with Santa after the race.
This was my 2nd year running the Half Marathon. Last year at this race I attempted to break 2 hours in the Half Marathon for the first time, but it didn’t happen.
Packet pick up was Friday night at Star City Brewery in downtown Miamisburg, a block away from the race start. I received my ugly Christmas shirt, pint glass, finisher Christmas tree ornament medal, and race bib.
The morning started with a Christmas tree lighting at 6:30am, followed by the Half Marathon start at 7am. I lined up with the 1:50 pace group which is slightly aggressive pacing for me.
I had a strong first half of the race and an unexpected 10k PR (51:32) during my Half Marathon. I ran with the pacers Peter and Jen for the first 7 miles, before slowing down to my own pace. I finished in 1:53:43 which was over a minute PR.
According to Strava it was a 5 PR day! Merry Christmas in July.
The post race party was at Star City Brewery for breakfast. The food included Fruit, Bacon, Egg Scramble, and Christmas Cookies, as well as juice and coffee, and a free drink coupon.
Personally, I don’t believe in Santa Claus. I prefer to think my blessings are from God. Although it is fun to say these PRs are an early Christmas present, they are actually the result of nine weeks of consistent training, and waking up before 5:30 am, six days a week to run or cross train.
Merry Early Christmas! Happy 1/2 Way to Christmas. 🙂
Run Cari 