PARKERSBURG - Hailing from Elizabeth, Indiana, Sarah Pease claimed first place among U.S. female runners at her first Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon race Saturday.
The 29-year-old Pease dithered between groups as she trekked the challenging 13-mile course across Parkersburg, a path she chartered the day before to prepare.
"I did the course yesterday, so I kind of knew there were going to be some tough climbs. I thought it was a great course - it was tough, but it was good," Pease said. "The two girls who were in front of me, we were kind of back and forth for a while. They kind of broke me at mile 7, but there were a few people coming back, so I just kept trying to work on those groups and tried to stay up there."
Article Photos
Sarah Pease had the honor of being the first American female across the finish line during the 13.1-mile running portion of the race.
Photo by Jeff Baughan
While Pease seemed pleased with her result, it was clear the American runner wanted to reach higher.
"I was glad to be first American. I was hoping to run a little faster, but I was just kind of racing today," Pease said. "I was 1:17:30-ish and my PR is 1:13:43, so I was little off of that, but this was a little more challenging. I hope for a little bit faster at the next one." Pease noted that the early morning mugginess of August didn't make for the best conditions, but she figured as much given the season.
Aside from participating in other events around the United States, Pease keeps up with long-distance running to stay close to her usual half marathon pace.
"I'm coming off of a track season and I've done some road races this summer. It's a lot of mileage, 80-100. Just trying to get good quality workouts in the long run every week," Pease said. For Pease, the race was another big obstacle before her next event. "I'm getting ready to take a little break then gearing up for the USA Marathon Championships in December."
Despite falling a little short of her ideal goal, Pease says intends to give it another shot in the future. Either way, Pease claimed the $1,000 prize for top U.S. female. Pittsburgh's Ann Mazur claimed the second-place prize of $500 with a time of 1:24;47.
"I'd love to come back for another year. This was awesome. It's really cool going to road races in the U.S. because you go to places you wouldn't normally be and get to see the cool things about each city," Pease said cheerily. "The hospitality has been great here."
In other races, Russia's Luybov Denisova claimed first among master runners (1:30:56, $750) with Parkersburg local Kim Poling in the slot for second place (1:33:34, $400). The grand master category was lead by 34-year-old Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa. (1:32:06, $750). 69-year-old Jeannie Rice landed the top slot among senior grand masters with a time of 1:40:32 for $750.
The top local finisher, a 23-year-old Jenny Brewer of St. Marys, claimed 12th place overall with a time of 1:28:14.