The Annapolis Running Festival is one of my favorite races. It started in 2023 and I’ve participated in this race every year since the inaugural race, which was my first Maryland race. The half marathon course starts at the Naval-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, goes through downtown Annapolis, over the bridge, on the B&A, and then loops back. I’m always a fan of a local race and this one takes me through some of my favorite parts of the town I now call home. It’s a slightly challenging course with the bridge and hills but the local crowd pushes you through it.
I came into the race with two main goals A) first female and B) PR at sub 1:25. I took the lead around mile 4 and stopped looking at my watch and focused in on maintaining the lead. I love races where this occurs, when the running just flows and I can really engage in racing not just running. I trusted my training and my body and focused on maintaining effort to see where that would lead me time wise at the end. By mile 11 I was very tired and the hills were brutal but I kept focus on knowing I could hold on for just 2 more miles. When I got into Navy Stadium with the lead bike still right by me I knew my A goal was going to be achieved. When I came into the finish and saw the time I was coming it at I was astounded, getting by B goal by a good margin as well. I got break a finishing tape for the first time in one my favorite cities-a memory I will cherish forever.
I’m excited to see what the rest of 2026 brings!
