Local standout runner Bryan Sharkey won his first half-marathon Sunday at the 13.1 Marathon®Miami Beach, but it took a strong kick to put away Rebecca Robinson of England.
Starkey, a 2008 Princeton University graduate and a member of the Gulliver Prep 2001 cross country state championship team, covered the race in 1:13:44. Robinson crossed the finish line in 1:14.14 and setting a new course record in the Women's overall. Robinson's time was 14 minutes faster than 2009 female winner, Alexis Lamb.
Sharkey credited his time to the push he got from the 27-year-old from Cumbria, England, who spent last week in Miami "at the beach on holiday." She took over the race at the 8-mile mark, then shared the lead with Sharkey until he took control with a mile to go.
"It was fun to run with her, and it was motivating to be with someone so fast," said Sharkey, a 22-year-old who finished fourth in the ING Miami Marathon in January. "I wanted to win the male overall, but you feel like you should win the overall too."
Michael McGrane, 39, of Arlington, MA was third in 1:15:52, while Daniel Lee of Tallahassee won the event's 5K race.
"When we heard over the radio that we had a female runner in the lead and we shared the news over the PA, it created quite a buzz at the finish line," said Dave Scott, General Manager and Race Director for US Road Sports & Entertainment of Florida. "The fact that Rebecca was a visitor to South Florida was also impressive and I hope we will see her return to defend her women's title next year.
"We are equally proud of Bryan's efforts. He always brings his best to each of our races and we are pleased to add his name to our list of champions."
The 13.1-mile race with 2,012 registered runners began under clear skies on a 54 degree morning in the heart of South Beach. The runners traveled over the twin hills of the Julia Tuttle Causeway, and then doubled back across the bridge. After reaching Ocean Drive, they turned south and ran on the coastal boardwalk before heading to the finish line in front of Lummus Park and the Art Deco District's Hotel Victor.
Sharkey, Robinson, McGrane, and Weston, FL's Gabriel Leitz covered the first eight miles together before Robinson made her move. "I tried to stay with her," said Sharkey. "I said to myself 'I don't know if I can keep this pace for five more miles.' But I felt fresh at the last mile mark, got a shot of adrenalin and was able to go."
"At the 12-mile mark, he said 'Come on!' but my legs were tired," said Robinson, a doctor serving her internship in general practice. "I didn't think the pace would be this quick. He picked up the pace and I didn't have a kick."
Sharkey won the race despite a partially torn Achilles tendon, which was scheduled for surgery Monday.
Lee, a 21-year-old accounting and finance major at Florida State University, broke open a two-man race in the 5K to finish in 16:19 over Coconut Grove's Jon Williams, 41, who crossed in 17:08. Alina Kuang, 39, of Sunny Isles Beach was the top women's finisher and 12th overall in 21:36.
"My goal the whole way was to win it," said Lee, who was in Miami on a job interview. "He went out faster than I did, but I decided to make my move at 800 meters. I could just tell when I passed him that he was working a little harder than I was."
Veteran marathoner Dane Rauschenberg, in town to promote his book "See Dane Run," finished 18th in the half-marathon Sunday. Rauschenberg's book is based on his 2006 experience of running 52 marathons in 52 weekends while holding down a fulltime job.
The Miami Beach 13.1®is one of eight 13.1 races across the country, with the next half-marathon scheduled for April 3 in New York City.
For further information, call (305) 278-8668 or visit www.131miamibeach.com.
About US Road Sports
US Road Sports & Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events. The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city's culture, identity and brand. For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun. US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.
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