- November 24, 2024
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For the second year in a row the Sarasota Music Half Marathon welcomed a sold-out crowd to the starting line.
It was a chilly start with the added challenge of a strong breeze coming off the bay as runners made their way across the John Ringling Bridge. Runners had the added motivation of 20 bands and supporters along the 13.1 mile route.
Following the success of the sold-out race last year organizers increased the number of participants by 1,000 new slots to a total of 3,000 runners.
Among those runners was Paige Butler who was running in memory of her mother. Butler crossed the finish line with family and friends waiting to greet her. When she recognized that her time was 1 hour and 54 minutes, the same as her late mother Sharon Butler's time in a half marathon.
The overall winner, 17-year-old Warran Grajalez took the lead early on in the race. He is a senior at Riverview High School and is on the cross country team.
"It was definitely a great run," said Grajalez. It was amazing that the support was ongoing and it was motivating."