Results/Photos

Date: February 8, 2025 Participant: Kathleen Napoli #12961 Race: 2025 Mesa Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles Weather: Perfect running conditions at 63°F, partly cloudy skies, and a slight breeze from the east in Mesa, AZ.

Consistent Pace with Opportunities to Optimize Finish Kathleen displayed impressive pacing stability during the 2025 Mesa Marathon, managing an average pace of 8:42 min/mile over the course of 26.2 miles. With a finishing time of 3:48:01, she demonstrated improved performance compared to her previous marathon. Particularly noteworthy were her strong pacing intervals from miles 2 to 12, predominantly clocking under 8:10 min/mile. Additionally, Kathleen saw a significant rise in her placement within the F45-49 division, advancing from 58th in 2024 to 40th this year, while competing against a larger field. There was a noticeable pace decline during the final stretches, particularly in miles 21 through 25, where split times drifted into the 9+ min/mile range. This led to a slight dip in her overall division placing, despite stronger performances mid-race. Focusing on maintaining or improving this concluding segment would enhance her future race outcomes. Nonetheless, Kathleen's pacing consistency and strategic improvements are positive elements in her marathon performance.