Laura Walker (MM 15629) -Well, I’ll probably never level up because I’m not doing another marathon until October. But I’m quite thrilled with my race at the Celebration Marathon. I ran a 3:28:14 for a 4:20 PR, 3rd in my age group and 9th female overall, and now I have almost a 12-minute cushion for Boston. Marathons are tough to predict. Even if your training is stellar, sometimes it is not your day. I have had several of those. But yesterday, everything came together and I had my dream race!
It’s a fast, flat course and the weather was excellent. 30F at start, 47F when I finished. The full marathon is two loops through a lovely Florida community with overhanging trees and scenic houses. The race is always well organized and you get a fluffy blanket as your swag. There are a few small sections of boardwalk, and one was icy 🥶 , but it didn’t slow me down. After the race, there are food and beverage tents from a half dozen local restaurants featuring tacos, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, cheesy bread, and Cuban food. 😋 Plus a DJ and live music. There are even cups of Diet Coke (nectar of the gods!) at the finish line. 10/10 would recommend-and next year is the 10th anniversary!
