Kentucky Derby Mini Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

It took about a mile to get out of the crowd and be able to get into a rhythm and the pace I wanted, about a 9:15 min/mile. I had hoped to be able to pick up the pace for the last 3-5 miles. It was warm and fairly sticky, I felt good through the shaded hills of the park and into the flat shaded residential area. When I entered Churchill Downs and direct sunlight, I was still at about a 9:15 pace. It then began to be apparent that I had not hydrated well enough. I had not trained in this level of heat or humidity this year did not adjust hydration appropriately. It was obvious that I would not have an extra kick for the last few miles. With hydration stations every 2 miles and the rest of the race being in direct sunlight, I was unable to catch up on hydration and began to feel it. Around mile 10, my HR and resp. rate much increased. I slowed my pace to around a 10 min/mile. I walked through the next hydration station, poured water over my head, had some orange slices and took off at the same pace. By the end of the race, I was really struggling and even a little dizzy, but crossed the finish line.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I lost 6 pounds during the race. With a hydration station every 2 miles, and every other being just a small cup of Sport Ade, I do not believe that in this weather i could have remained adequately hydrated on what was supplied. I probably should have picked up 2, 6 or 8 oz. water bottles per station. That may have helped some. I really need to buy some sort of belt to carry extra fluids.

I stumbled in half daze through all the refreshment stations, grabbing stuff as I passed. After 2 waters, 1 sports drink, a 20 oz. soda, a bagel, a granola bar, and a bag of chips, eaten while slowly walking about a half mile, I felt some better.


1. Not yet training in heat or humidity.
2. Hydration.
3. Cooling


There were people cheering for almost the entire coarse. It was well organized. There was plenty of support and music and Elvis, Colonel Sanders, and Satan impersonators to keep things interesting. One cannot predict Kentucky weather in May. Last year it was 45 and rainy for the race. This was my first run only race of any kind. Although not achieving the time for which I had hoped: 2 hours, I did finish at the time I most expected almost to the second. It was a good experience for my first half mary. I have learned a lot and look forward to my next race.