GALVESTON, TX
Hundreds of runners came ready. In the crowd were elite athletes, recreational runners and 10-year-old Kaytlynn Welsch, a four-time half marathon competitor who is bringing her a-game and nothing less.
"I've been doing this since I was 6 and my fastest time is 1 hour and 50 minutes," Welsch said.
It's Galveston's first marathon in 21 years. The island took a pounding from Hurricane Ike back in 2008 and organizers say this is another way to celebrate the big comeback. With a 13.2 half course and double that for the full course, the Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon has lured nearly 1,200 competitors.
"Thirty-five states here in the United States we them from New Zealand Belgium Singapore, Tokyo, Puerto Rico, we have Canadians," organizer Jana Landry said.
A big celebration is in the works, and speaking of that, the race helps kick start Galveston's Mardi Gras celebration, so you may find any and everyone celebrating.
Decades in the making, organizers say whether its record time or not, each step across the finish line is another big step in helping Galveston move forward.
Galveston Island will host the return of the Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon this Sunday, February 20. Race organizers specifically designed the course to showcase several of the Island's premiere areas including the charming Strand and Silk Stocking historic districts, the Seawall and beachfront, and the scenic East End lagoon.
----
Final times for "Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon and Half Marathon"
Full Martahon:
Male Christopher Jackson (-2 hours 56 min.) I haven't gotten hometown yet
Female Jacqueline O'Brien-Nolan (Kingwood, TX) 3 hours 37 min
Half marathon
Male- Paul Riley, (Madison, Wisconsin) 1 hour 9 min.
Female -Patricia Ocopa, (Richmond, TX) 1hour 29 min
