Results/Photos

Date: February 8, 2025 Participant: Clayton Clemons #20777 Race: 2025 Mesa Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Perfect running conditions at 63°F, partly cloudy skies, and a slight breeze from the east in Mesa, AZ.

Strong Start with Strategic Adjustments Clayton Clemons, a 16-year-old from Mesa, AZ, delivered an impressive start at the 2025 Mesa Marathon, particularly evident in the first mile with a 9:29 min/mile pace, placing him 19th in the M15-18 division. Notably, the second mile saw an improvement in pace to 9:22 min/mile, suggesting a strong strategic beginning. As the race progressed, Clayton faced a gradual decline in pace, with his pace slowing to 13:05 min/mile by the last mile, placing him 35th in his division. Throughout the race, he adjusted his pace by almost a minute per mile from the initial splits. Ultimately, he completed the half marathon in 2:51:27. Noteworthy is his 34th position in the M15-18 division for several splits, indicating consistency. Consider focusing on maintaining a consistent pace in the later miles to build upon your strong start. Keep up the dedication with the Big Steppas team!