The BMW Dallas Marathon celebrated its 55th edition on Sunday, enduring notably cold weather conditions. As runners lined up, the temperature dropped to 30 degrees, with a wind chill plummeting to 18 degrees. This marked the chilliest marathon since 2013, when the event was canceled due to icy conditions.
Local Runner Triumphs Again in Chilly BMW Dallas Marathon Debut
Despite the frigid weather, outstanding performances emerged from the marathon. Notably, Dakotah Popehn, a participant in the Paris Olympics, served as the celebrity ambassador and claimed victory in the half-marathon with a time of 1:12:24. She humorously noted that while she aimed for the course record of 1:11:32, the cold conditions surprisingly aided her performance.
Popehn’s Comments on the Course and Conditions
Popehn expressed her appreciation for the race atmosphere and the course itself. “I love a race like this. It was beautiful. The cold was probably why I ran so fast,” she stated, reflecting on the challenging conditions that seemingly contributed to her success.
Impressive Wins in the Marathon
In the men’s marathon, local athlete Steven Fahy emerged victorious, clocking in at 2:23:50. The former Stanford steeplechase runner, who is part of the Brooks Running team and resides in Dallas, highlighted the sentimental value of his win. “It feels really sentimental because of all the people I’m sharing it with,” he remarked.
Fahy’s Insights and Experiences
Fahy attributed his success to a supportive training group he joined earlier in the summer. Upon finishing, he admitted to feeling overwhelmed, stating, “As soon as I crossed the line, my body said it was done. It was all worth it.” This year’s victory marked the second consecutive year that a local runner claimed victory on their marathon debut.
Notable Achievements in the Women’s Marathon
The women’s marathon also showcased incredible talent, with Alauna Carstens securing the win in a time of 2:53:53. Carstens, a runner from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, expressed joy in achieving her second national championship title. “Winning my second national championship was my goal,” she noted, drawing from her past success at the California International Marathon.
Local Spotlight in the Half-Marathon
Sergio Mena, another local contender, triumphed in the men’s half-marathon, finishing in 1:06:41. After years of commitment to this race, Mena couldn’t hide his excitement after crossing the finish line. “It feels great, amazing. I love this city and the people of Dallas,” he exclaimed, echoing the sentiment of many participants enjoying the supportive crowds along the route.
Results Overview
- Men’s Marathon: Steven Fahy – 2:23:50
- Women’s Marathon: Alauna Carstens – 2:53:53
- Men’s Half-Marathon: Sergio Mena – 1:06:41
- Women’s Half-Marathon: Dakotah Popehn – 1:12:24
The BMW Dallas Marathon continues to be a platform for both local and elite runners, showcasing exceptional talent despite the challenging weather conditions. For comprehensive race results and further coverage, visit El-Balad.
