Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 22, 2026 Participant: Nicole Cruz #67 Race: 2026 Habanero 100 Mile Distance: 100.0 miles

Consistent Pacing and Late Surges Power a Runner-Up Finish Nicole Cruz completed the 2026 Habanero Hundred 100-Mile in 24:58:13, covering 97.79 recorded miles to finish 7th overall and 2nd in her female division among 79 total participants. The result places her among a small group of finishers in an event that has produced only 198 100-mile finishes in its history since 2015, run entirely on a 10km loop course at the 7IL Ranch under Texas' notoriously extreme August heat and deep sand conditions. Cruz opened fast and controlled, clicking off her first five miles at a 10:53 min/mile pace and sitting 3rd in her division through the opening loops. As the race progressed into the heat of the afternoon and evening, her per-mile splits naturally extended into the 1215 minute range, a typical and expected adjustment over 100 miles of sand and heat. Notably, Cruz showed strong closing instincts, briefly climbing to 2nd overall and 1st in her division around mile 34, and again seizing the overall race lead and 1st female position near mile 80 a testament to her ability to find another gear deep into the event. Her final overall elapsed pace settled at 15:19 min/mile. Looking at the data, a few splits stand out for attention: the jump to a 29:47 mile at mile 44 and a 22:51 mile at mile 50 marked the two largest single-loop slowdowns of her race, coinciding with the transition into the overnight hours. Smoothing out these mid-race dips perhaps through more deliberate pacing strategy or brief recovery walks before rather than during fatigue onset could help tighten overall time in future long-distance efforts. Overall, Cruz's ability to repeatedly rally into podium contention across a grueling 25-hour effort on one of Texas' most demanding courses reflects strong endurance and mental resilience.