In a dramatic display of endurance and spirit, the 55th running of the Dallas Marathon took place under challenging weather conditions, with temperatures plunging to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and a biting wind chill of 18 degrees. This marked the coldest marathon Sunday in Dallas since 2013, a year that saw the race canceled due to icy conditions. Despite the frigid temperatures, participants demonstrated remarkable resilience and athletic prowess.
This year’s marathon featured Paris Olympic marathoner Dakotah Popehn as the celebrity ambassador. Popehn won the half-marathon in a time of 1:12:24, a performance she noted wasn’t a full-out effort for her elite standards. She mentioned her ambition to break the course record of 1:11:32 but remained practical about her chances given the weather conditions. Highlighting her experience, Popehn expressed that the cold temperatures might have inadvertently contributed to her speed, stating, “I love a race like this. It was beautiful. The cold was probably why I ran so fast.”
Another standout performance came from Steven Fahy, a former Stanford steeplechase runner now working with Brooks Running in Dallas. Fahy captured the men’s marathon title with a time of 2:23:50. Reflecting on his win, he shared the sentimental value of the victory, crediting his training partners for making his preparation enjoyable despite the challenging Dallas climate. Interestingly, Fahy did not realize he had won the race until he crossed the finish line, a moment that was physically overwhelming for him. He promptly expressed complete satisfaction with the effort, admitting, “As soon as I crossed the line, my body said it was done. It was all worth it.”
The women’s marathon featured a notable victory for Alauna Carstens of Evergreen State College, who clinched the title in 2:53:53 as part of the NAIA Marathon Classic hosted within the event. Carstens aimed for her second national championship and celebrated the achievement, noting the lessons learned during tough conditions.
In the men’s half-marathon, local runner Sergio Mena experienced a moment of triumph, finishing first with a time of 1:06:41. Mena’s journey included years of dedication to claiming this victory, having finished second in 2019. Elated upon crossing the finish line, he shared, “It feels great, amazing. I love this city and people of Dallas. Running through the streets and seeing everybody on the sidewalks cheering for me is a dream come true.”
The event showcased the determination and passion of runners, with local athletes and seasoned veterans alike rising to the challenge presented by the unusually cold weather. Results and additional coverage of the Dallas Marathon can be found online for those looking for a complete overview of the day’s performances.
