Fernando Cabada cruised to an impressive win in his Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon debut, setting a course record of 1 hour, 4 minutes, 57 seconds, and defeating two-time defending champion and former course record holder Celedonia “Cele” Rodriquez of Alamosa, CO. Patty Rogers of Lakewood, CO earned the women’s crown in 1:22:38. Each winner was awarded with a double magnum of Merlot from Sebastiani Vineyards, a Ball Watch and $500 in cash.
Cabada’s victory came on the heals of his recent third place finish at the USA 25K Championship in Grand Rapids, Mich., but Cabada felt he ran a better race on Sunday.
“I started to pull away from Cele at mile five and I felt very strong so I decided to push the pace and go for a personal best. This was a very good race for me,” said Cabada, now residing in Bloomington, Ind.
Rogers 11 second victory came after a tough battle. During the first half of the race, she trailed third place finisher Luanne Coulter, and then held off a late challenge by runner-up Mary Coordt.
“I don’t like to look behind me so I wasn’t aware Mary was gaining on me until I heard her husband shouting encouragement. Then I knew I had to push hard to the finish,” said Rogers.
Over 2,300 other runners and wine enthusiasts from all over the world enjoyed a beautiful day running through the Carneros wine region from Cuvaison Carneros Estate Winery in Napa to downtown Sonoma. One third of the participants traveled from out-of- state to enjoy the race, picked as having the BEST FINISH in this month’s half-marathon issue of Runner’s World Magazine.
4th Wine Country Half Marathon
Napa to Sonoma, CA, Sunday, July 15, 2007
MEN
1) Fernando Cabada (IN), 1:04:57*, $500 plus wine & watch
2) Celedonio Rodriguez (CO), 1:10:07
3) Richie Boulet (CA), 1:11:31
*course record (previous record, 1:06:34, Celedonio Rodriguez, 2006)
WOMEN
1) Patty Rogers (CO), 1:22:38, $500 plus wine & watch
2) Mary Coordt (CA), 1:22:49
3) Luanne Coulder (NC), 1:23:18