TOP OF UTAH HALF MARATHON
This is simply the best half marathon in the state. The competition is good, the course is awesome, the weather is borderline perfect most years, and I really like races with a five-person podium, which helps the competition aspect a lot. The community really supports the race too and the organization is always spot on. Anyway, I thought I could put down a pretty good time this year.
I went out just over 5:00-flat pace with Ben. About three miles in Ben started to fall back just a bit and I was in front alone. I ran somewhat well down to Hollow Road. I took a peak at the turn there and could only see Fritz, who looked maybe 30-40 seconds back. Somehow I didn't see Ben and Bryant. I kind of fell asleep mentally on Hollow Road and really ran pretty poorly on that section. I thought I had a good sized lead but then heard cheering about 15-20 seconds behind me. I peaked back at the turn onto the highway and saw Ben about 20 back (again Bryant was there but I didn't see him). I tried to run steady and in control until the hills at 10.7 and then I'd try to put the hammer down and put the race away. I ended up doing just that and finished the last 5k pretty well, winning the race in 1:06:41.
I expected to see Ben in 2nd, but then Bryant came in. I never saw Bryant once that whole race and he even has a bright yellow singlet! Ben was 3rd and it was close for 2nd-4th as Nate and Fritz both ran really well too. I wasn't too happy with my time, but I'll take a win when I can get it!
Splits: 501 502 458 502 452 452 456 504 513 505 509 519 504 and 502 pace for the leftover change.
Newspaper Article here
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