Results/Photos

Date: February 8, 2025 Participant: JIm Bender #15405 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.

Consistent Improvement and Strong Finish Jim Bender demonstrated consistent performance during the 2025 Mesa Marathon Half Marathon, with an overall time of 2:19:16 and an average pace of 10:37 minutes per mile. Notably, Jim led his age division of M75-79, moving from second to claim first place by the end. His pace quickened as the race progressed, reaching a remarkable split of 9:43 per mile by the 13th mile. Starting with an 11:25 mile, Jim's pace became progressively faster, showcasing a strong finish. Over the 13.1-mile course, he displayed impressive endurance and strategy, moving from a 10:56 pace in the third mile to consistent sub-11-minute miles. His placement signifies smart efforts and pacing. Identifying the slowed pace during the seventh and eighth miles suggests a point to strategize for future events. Focusing on maintaining momentum throughout those mid-sections could bolster Jim's already significant improvement and help maintain his pace gains throughout the race distance.