McAllen, TX - Over 1,200 runners, ranging in age from 15 to 76 years took to the streets of McAllen, Texas on Sunday, January 15, 2017 in the McAllen Marathon-Scott Crane Memorial Run in either the full, half or five-person team relay marathon race. Runners from throughout Texas, as well as 15 U.S. states and six Mexican states enjoyed a flat and fast, albeit warm- temperature at race start time was 68˚F – race, with all runners complimenting the friendly, helpful staff and well-organized event. The marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier, allowed runners to improve their time as well as allowed them to get to know the tropical Texas Rio Grande Valley landscape of the City of Palms.
Spectators and cheer groups lined the route shouting words of encouragement and holding signs of support showcasing McAllen’s famous South Texas hospitality as runners made their way to the finish line. The new start and end location – the event was held at the picturesque Oval Park located on the grounds of the McAllen Convention Center campus – offered visiting runners the opportunity to travel to McAllen and literally step right out of their hotel to the start and finish line. There was also an abundance of parking available at the new location as well as easy access to the site while traveling from across the region and state.
For the northerners competing in the marathon, running in the balmy McAllen heat was a plus, as many cited getting away from the icy cold as reason for signing up. For those very familiar McAllen and all of the amazing amenities it has to offer (www.exploremcallen.com), including the many runners from throughout Mexico, seeing a different side of the city was something they were most excited about.
But for locals, running in a marathon named for the late Scott Crane was a way to simply keep his memory alive. The face is named in honor of former McAllen City Commissioner, Scott Crane who passed away from a heart attack suffered during the race’s second year.
"I really appreciate the City of McAllen's efforts to continue Scott's vision and his passion,” said Sasha Crane, widow of the late commissioner.
The crowd anticipated the finish of the first full marathon participant and at the three-hour mark, Tom Naert, age 27 from Norwalk, Iowa crossed the finish line. The full marathon’s first female finisher, 38year-old Yanory Hernandez from Mission, Texas completed the course in three hours and twenty-six minutes.
Jorge Azua age 30 from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico was the first person to cross the finish line, completing the half marathon course in one hour and seventeen minutes. The first female half-marathoner runner, Kari Rogers age 28 from McAllen, Texas crossed the finish line at one-hour and thirty-six minutes.
Race organizers have not set a date for next year’s race but will continue to post updates, information and photos to the race website at www.mcallenmarathon.com.
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For a complete list of winners, see attached.
https://www.athleteguild.com/running/mcallen-tx/2017-mcallen-marathon
For photos from the race, follow the link at:
https://mcallen.box.com/s/mwlohmyy9t0xa6urzuluax6eltcqn6o0