Heat, Humidity Provide Challenges at Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah

Photo: PhotoRun.net

One of Georgia’s most-scenic cities played host to thousands of runners at Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon. The starting gun for both races sounded promptly at 7 a.m. in Savannah’s Daffin Park as runners headed down the course in unseasonably challenging conditions with high heat and humidity.

In the men’s half marathon race, Jonny Wilson broke the tape first. The 27-year-old, who trains out of Flagstaff, Arizona and hails from Falmouth, Maine, covered the 13.1 miles in one hour, 8 minutes, and 33 seconds.

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He owned a personal best of 1:05:09 that he ran last week at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia—nine seconds shy of an Olympic Marathon Trial qualifier—and attributed his slower time on Saturday to the challenging conditions. “I was just trying to go for the win,” Wilson said. “I’ve never won a Rock ‘n’ Roll race before.”

Wilson held the lead at the beginning of the race, but was passed by another runner, Zaven O’Bryant. “I was a little worried when that happened,” Wilson said. “But I was just trying to run by feel and run my own pace. Luckily, I was able to catch up with him [O’Bryant].” Wilson had hoped to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Savannah, but says he’s not done giving up on his dream. “I have until January to run under 1:05:00. I just need to find more races to do it,” he said.

Second place was awarded to Chris Bailey of Charleston, South Carolina (1:11:47). The final podium spot went to Austin Richmond of Babson Park, Florida (1:13:33).

The women’s half marathon went to 38-year-old Laurie Knowles of Charlotte, North Carolina who won in 1:17:47. Her closest rival was second-place finisher Katie Sherron (1:20:43). Third place went to Caitlin Judd (1:24:18).

The overall champion in the men’s marathon was Jonathan Argyle who clocked 2:36:10 for the 26.2-mile distance that wound through Georgia’s oldest city. Argyle’s win was a commanding one as second-place finisher Nicholas Synan was nearly four minutes behind in (2:40:07). Jack Findley was third in 2:42:33.

Twenty-three-year-old Kelly Meyer won the women’s marathon with an impressive sub-3-hour showing (2:59:42). Lauren Urbizo was second in 3:10:57, while third place went to Christine Witte (3:13:07).

Saturday’s win was a surprise for Meyer as it was her debut marathon and it was far from an easy achievement. Meyer, an Atlanta, Georgia resident, admitted afterwards that she ended up having to change her pre-race place. “I was feeling good until about mile 14,” she said afterward. “But then I started to have stomach issues. It didn’t go as I had planned and I just tried to make the best of it.” Meyer ended up running unopposed after the half-marathon point and finished over 16 minutes slower than an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying time (2:43:00). She said she hopes to run a few more races in the fall to make the mark.

The extremely humid weather provided unique challenges to runners at Saturday’s race. Because of the dangers posed by such conditions, race organizers consulted with local officials and made the difficult decision to divert participants along the course due to the health risk. A comprehensive heat plan was implemented, which included water misters, sponge stations, and air-conditioned cooling buses along the course. Still, many runners were not able to complete their race due to these dangers and race officials appreciate the patience and understanding of those affected. Competitor Group will be in touch with these runners.

Heat and humidity aside, participants and their families got a nice send off at the finish-line festival in the heart of the historic Georgia city. Country music hit band Rascal Flatts jammed on the stage and gave everyone something to celebrate.

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