This was the first half marathon I had attempted and it was definitely a learning experience. Being a newbie to the SE Missouri area I thought this race looked challenging. Knowing little about long distance training, I had the assumption that if I could run 10 miles I could race a half marathon so I did my long runs up to 10 miles. Needless to say, during the race itself, I felt pretty good up to the 10 mile mark - the last 5K was grueling and I had to take the next day of work off because my feet hurt badly. However, I was hooked on distance racing. I finished in 1:23:12 and ninth overall but first place in the 25-29 age group.
The "Starr" of the day was Randy Starr of Jefferson City, Missouri who ventured down to set a new course record in a time of 1:09:10. He was followed by Marc Romine in 1:12:33, David Baker in 1:14:38, Kenny McFerron in 1:16:20 and Farron Toler in 1:18:37 to round out the top 5 overall finishers.
Barbara Mueller won the women's Overall title with a 1:31:01 time.
The 5K winners were Sammy Shah in 17:22 and Misty Dubman in 21:49, both Cape Girardeau residents.
- KHammes
