STEPHANIE Migliorini was left ‘chuffed’ with her performance after being the first female finisher at the Southend Half marathon.
The Leigh on Sea Strider completed the 13.1 mile course in one hour, 25 minutes and 49 seconds.
And Migliorini was pleased to triumph in the testing conditions.
“It was very hot during the race with no shade but I made sure to grab water at every water station so I didn’t dehydrate which helped with my performance,” said Migliorini.
“I am chuffed with my time considering the heat and the headwind, “I was only 25 seconds off my half personal best as well which was good.”
However, Migliorini was keen to share her success with running colleague Peter Kelly.
“Luckily I ran with my friend Pete from my running club the whole way and tucked behind him to shield myself from the wind which helped me out so I must say thank you to him,” said Migliorini.
“The support at the Southend Half is also incredible and that definitely helps as well.
“It’s great to be able to see fellow runners during the route multiple times too.
“It’s a nice distraction from the pain.”
But Migliorini knew what to expect having competed in the previous running of the event.
“I ran the Southend Half back in 2019,” recalled Migliorini.
“I was still new to running back then so I had no idea how to train for a half or how to race it. “On the day I typically went out too fast on the first lap and then paid for it in the second which I jogged.
“I ran it 20 minutes slower back in 2019 so I was pleased it went better this time.
“I would definitely recommend it to other runners as a nice local race.”
Robyn Matson (1:29:31) took second place in the female race with Joanne Kent (1:29:55) third.
And Migliorini will soon be working towards her next target.
“The plan now for me is to start London marathon training soon,” said Migliorini.
“I got a good for age place and my last marathon in Brighton went so well I’m excited to see what I can do at London.”
Migliorini’s fine run also helped Leigh on Sea Striders win the ladies team event at the Southend Half with Springfield second and Fordy Run third.
David Smale won the men’s race in one hour, 10 minutes and seven seconds.
Fredrik Krylander (1:12:50) was second with Ben Bayly (1:13:41) third.
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