It turned out to be an almost perfect day for one of the biggest races, if not THE biggest race, ever to be staged in Virginia Beach. This is the 6th time in 7 years I’ve raced the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, and each year it seems to get bigger and better. 17,017 runners completed the 13.1 mile race, which apparently was a massive 99% success rate.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, runs through the scenic Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the spectacular oceanfront boardwalk. Participants are treated to 14 stages along the 13.1-mile course, featuring 20 local bands as well as 16 local high school cheerleading squads spaced approximately every mile.
My own race went very well. I didn’t really know what to expect after 8 weeks of training in hot and humid conditions, but was hopeful of running an even-paced race with a strong finish. My main focus is the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October, so this race would be a good indicator of how my training is progressing. I’m pleased to report I felt good throughout the whole race, not particularly fast, but quite strong. My mile splits ranged from 6:11 – 6:20 per mile, which in my mind is a pretty consistent race. I was also able to run the last 4 miles progressively faster, so that was an added bonus too.
Splits: 6:15, 6:15, 6:15, 6:14, 6:12, 6:19, 6:13, 6:20, 6:11, 6:20, 6:19, 6:18, 6:13
All in all a great experience, tons of fun and things are looking good for my fall marathon in October. For the record I finished in 1 hour 22 minutes and 35 seconds, and out of the 17,017 finishers, placed 108th overall and 7th in the 40-44 age group. The medal (pictured above) is a great one to add to my collection!
Steve,
Good job on your race! Nice pace!
I tried to start really easy…almost a minute slower pace than my usual jack rabbit start but I still fell off pace after about half way…was disappointing but it was a great day for a race!
But looks like you did great!
Charlie