Results/Photos

Date: February 8, 2025 Participant: Martha Castillon #10761 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.

Steady Start but Declined Consistency in Later Miles Martha began the 2025 Mesa Marathon strong, recording a consistent pace in the first half. Notably, her first mile was completed in 9:03, with her speed slightly decreasing but maintaining a steady pace at around 9:40 min/mile up to mile 12. Her placement within her age division initially showed promise, with an impressive 18th place at mile 1, though her division rank declined as the race progressed. As the race continued, there was a noticeable slowdown after mile 13. By mile 23, her pace dipped to over 14 minutes per mile. The fluctuating splits highlight the need to focus on endurance and pacing consistency over longer distances. Compared to previous performances, such as her 3:50:18 marathon finish in 2022, this result suggests room for adjustments in training. Overall, Martha's commitment is apparent, and fine-tuning her pacing strategy could improve future marathon performances.