On Sunday, January 15, 2017, the warm and humid Chevron Houston 1/2 and Full Marathon kicked off. We were excited to track a long list of athletes we’re fans of; in the 1/2 – Jordan Hasay (1:08:40, Debut), Sara Hall (1:12:47), Kellyn Taylor (1:13:13), Alia Gray (DNF), Erin Burrett (1:20:36), Emma Polley (1:18:10), Jamie Cheever (1:17:41, Debut), Jane Ricardi (1:23:15), Michael Crouch (1:06:58, Debut), Noah Droddy (1:03:22, PR), Ben Bruce (1:04:31), and before he dropped, Galen Rupp (DNS). And in the Full – Becky Wade (2:35:57), Sarah Crouch (2:38:37), Colleen De Reuck (2:51:01) and Amanda Cruise (2:57:53, PR). Full results for the Chevron Houston Marathon can be found HERE. It was unfortunate that it wasn’t a weekend to PR (for most), but it speaks to the incredible strength of these athletes, that they endured, and fought till the end. We have (3) favorite takeaways:
1.) Jordan Hasay is on fire. Despite the conditions, her time earned her status as the sixth-fastest American of all time.
2.) Noah Droddy impresses. Battling the conditions, he PR’d by nearly a minute.
3.) Sarah Crouch – Coming down with strep the week of the race, Crouch showed her chops by accomplishing a 2nd American, 5th Place Overall finish in the Marathon.
The same day held a more mild Rock’n’Roll Arizona race series, where our athlete, Courtney Olsen and her friend and WWU alum, Danielle Lampi competed in the 1/2 Marathon. Olsen was aiming to PR at the race, but fell short (1:18:48). She proudly accepted a 3rd place finish, behind the talented Neely Spence Gracey (1st, 1:12:39) and Maor Tiyouri (2nd, 1:15:47). Further results can be found HERE.
*Americans Win Big at Rock’n’Roll Arizona
Congrats to all those who raced this weekend! You put your nose to the grindstone and showed what you were made of, despite, perhaps, needing to change your race strategy, enduring unideal weather, or coming up short of your goals. Here’s to lessons, growth, and experiences shared with people who are out there fighting the same fight!
