Results/Photos

Date: February 8, 2025 Participant: Heather Free #11407 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 Start with Strong Team Effort from Boston Buddies Heather Free exhibited a commendable performance at the 2025 Mesa Marathon, completing the marathon in 4:21:27 with an overall pace of 9:58 minutes per mile. Her early splits were remarkably consistent in the 8-minute range, with the first split at 8:04 minutes per mile and maintaining a solid pace through the early sections. The early miles showcased impressive consistency, especially during the 4th mile where she clocked a swift 7:44 minute pace. The latter stages of the marathon saw a gradual deceleration, starting at the 16th mile. By the 18th mile, there was a noticeable pace slow down to 11:11 minutes per mile. This pattern continued towards the race's conclusion, providing an area of focus for future race strategies. Heather placed 65th in her division of F45-49 and ranked 659th in the female category among 3624 participants. Her participation with the Boston Buddies adds a teamwork element, positively impacting her morale and performance.