SLO Marathon draws thousands
–The largest running festival on the California Central Coast, produced by Race SLO, took place over the weekend of April 28-29. The 7th annual SLO Marathon + Half & Relays presented by Pacific Premier Bank, and Race SLO 5K and Kids races presented by Idler’s Home, attracted over 3,500 runners from 38 states and 7 countries. Starting and finishing at the landmark Madonna Inn Meadows, racers were cheered by 1,000 local volunteers and staff. Spectators and supporters were entertained by live music, vendors and exhibitors, free family yoga by lululemon, activities for children, hot BBQ, cold Lagunitas brew and more. The event benefited Jack’s Helping Hand, Grizzly Youth Academy and Team Red, White and Blue.
Phillip Reid of San Luis Obispo was the first man to cross the half marathon finish line, setting a new course record of 1:07:29. Kara Thorne of Grover Beach was the first woman to finish the half marathon with a time of 1:22:30.
In the full marathon, Landon Woollard of San Luis Obispo placed first with a time of 2:40:40, and Lindsey Arrillaga of San Luis Obispo was the winner among the women with a time of 3:13:54.
Robyn Schmidt of Atascadero was the first woman inducted into the annual SLO Marathon Hall of Fame. Race SLO also honored the 70 legacy runners who have participated in SLO Marathon + Half event each year since its inception with a special gift bag.
“Our Race SLO team and the City of San Luis Obispo was thrilled to host another first-class event, once again putting our beloved town on the map nationally as an endurance sports playground. We launched our new Endurance Town USA podcast this weekend, and together with 48 hours of activities for all truly blew the roof off this year’s event,” said Samantha Pruitt, Race SLO Founder and CEO.
Visit RaceSLO.com for more information.
