Results/Photos

Date: Feb. 14, 2026 Participant: Caroline Close #11266 Race: 2026 Mesa Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Consistent Performance with a Strong Finish Caroline Close displayed a remarkably consistent pace throughout the 2026 Mesa Marathon, maintaining a solid average pace of 7:57 per mile. Notably, she demonstrated excellent pacing in the early miles, with mile times ranging between 7:50 and 7:55. Her performance in mile 12 was a highlight, achieving her fastest split of 7:32 and moving into 12th place within her division. This strong mid-race push signifies her ability to maintain energy over long distances. For future races, focusing on maintaining a steadier pace in the latter part of the race could be beneficial, especially considering the slight pace dip observed between miles 22 and 24, where her pace slowed to an 8:42 mile. Overall, finishing 19th in the F19-24 age division is commendable. With an overall time of 3:28:43, Caroline successfully placed within the top 20% for her gender and division, showcasing her potential for further growth. Keep building on this foundation, and great things will come!