Benson Chesang places first in men’s half marathon
Two-time Olympian and US half marathon record holder Ryan Hall paced the half marathon on Sunday and 5K on Saturday
DALLAS: March 20, 2016 - The Lone Star state of Texas played gracious host to over 15,000 runners at this weekend’s Humana Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon and 5K. Conditions for the series of races couldn’t have been more perfect for a run with chilly temperatures in the high 40s at the start and sunny skies shining down on participants who lined up at the start line in the heart of Dallas.
Once the starting gun sounded, half marathoners headed out on a new course through Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood known for unique community displays of art. The iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge was next before participants passed through the Bishop Arts District and then the Houston Street Bridge where runners got their first glimpse of the Dallas skyline. Bands and pom-pom-waving cheerleading squads lined the streets of the "Big D."
Dallas’ Reunion Lawn acted as the new finish line for the half marathon this year and excitement was not in short supply as 32-year-old Benson Chesang from Kenya came down the final stretch to break the tape in the half marathon in 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 45 seconds. Just nine seconds after Chesang was Dallas’ own Logan Sherman who took second in 1:08:54. Third place went to Gabriel Zambrano of Fort Worth, Texas (1:09:11).
"It was windy out there but that’s alright," said an animated Chesang immediately afterwards. "I fell off at mile 8 and then started picking up and passing people. I picked up Logan [Sherman], and then passed him. Then he passed me, but I pressed it again." Chesang, who ran at the University of Kansas, was humble about his win. "I wasn’t really expecting to do it," he said. "It was really exciting. It feels good. Not too bad at all. I wish I could win like this every weekend."
The women’s race was much more decisive with 23-year-old Kelsey Bruce dominating in 1:18:10—more than a minute over her nearest rival.
"The course was hilly," admitted Bruce, who attends nearby Dallas Baptist University and was the senior captain of her school’s cross-country team. "I looked at the elevation map. We had been doing hilly long runs so it wasn’t that bad. The game plan going in was to do my best."
Second place in the women’s half marathon went to Whitney Bevins (1:19:17), while Melisa Christian took third in 1:19:53.
Dallas has deep roots in Rock and Roll so it was fitting that legendary 90s band Blues Traveler jammed on stage at Reunion Lawn for finish-medal-wearing participants and their families—a perfect send off for a fun-filled weekend.
Two-time Olympian and U.S. Half Marathon record holder Ryan Hall paced the 5K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Participants that ran both days earned the coveted Remix Challenge medal in addition to each race’s finisher medals.
Start Line - (Photo Credit: Rod Mar)
2016 Humana Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon Results
Name, Age, Hometown, Time
Men’s Half Marathon
1. Benson Chesang, 32, Kenya, 1:08:45, $1,250*
2. Logan Sherman, 30, Dallas, TX, 1:08:54, $750*
3. Gabriel Zambrano, 22, Fort Worth, TX, 1:09:11, $500*
4. Zachary Hine, 28, Dallas, TX, 1:10:05, $250*
5. Barnabas Kirui, 30, Kenya, 1:11:48, $100*
Women’s Half Marathon
1. Kelsey Bruce, 23, Dallas, TX, 1:18:10, $1,250*
2. Whitney Bevins, 34, Dallas, TX, 1:19:17, *$750
3. Melisa Christian, 39, Dallas, TX, 1:19:53, $500*
4. Stephanie Andre, 33, Bixby, OK, 1:21:08
5. Megan Skeels, 41, Aledo, TX, 1:21:39, $250*
6. Emily Field, 34, Dallas, TX, 1:22:15, $100
*Includes Dallas Metroplex bonus
About Humana Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon
The 7th annual Humana Rock 'n' Roll Dallas Half Marathon will take place the weekend of March 18 - 20, 2016. The fast and scenic course will give runners a first-class tour of downtown Dallas starting at Young Street and Lamar Street and finishing at The Lawn at Reunion. Runners can rock to the sounds of live, local bands playing along the half marathon course, while enthusiastic cheerleaders keep participants moving. The event concludes with a post-race Toyota Rock 'n' Roll Concert Series and finish line festival with headliner Blues Traveler. Runners that complete the Saturday 5K and any distance on Sunday will earn the Remix Challenge medal in addition to each race’s finisher medal. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race weekend at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. The Expo will have numerous vendors featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training tips. To register for the race or for more information, visit RunRocknRoll.com or follow on Twitter @RunRocknRoll.
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