Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 22, 2026 Participant: Pranjal Sheth #492 Race: 2026 Habanero Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

Inconsistent Mid-Race Pacing Overcome by a Steady, Strong Finish Racing on a course organizers deliberately start at HIGH NOON so runners face the heat while fresh rather than fatigued, Pranjal Sheth completed the Habanero Hundred Half Marathon in 3:12:12. The result placed him 19th overall out of 110 finishers, 14th among men, and 2nd in the competitive M20-29 division. The race began briskly, with an 11:13 opening mile good for 12th among men. The middle stretch proved more difficult: miles 2 through 5 ranged from 16:16 to a peak of 19:22, dropping his overall position as far back as 55th. A dramatic swing followed in miles 7 and 8, each covered in just 8:14, propelling him back to 17th overall a split fast enough to suggest either a downhill stretch or a brief surge in effort. From mile 9 onward, pacing became remarkably consistent. Miles 11 through 13 were each run in an identical 13:54, and that steadiness held his position at 19th overall through the finish. This late-race consistency, arriving after a turbulent middle third, points to solid physical resilience on a course known for deep sand and brutal heat. Smoothing out the pacing swings between miles 2 and 8 whether by holding back slightly on the opening mile or maintaining effort through the midrace lull could translate this closing strength into a faster overall time. Given the steadiness shown in the final three miles, there's a clear foundation to build a more even effort curve for future races on similarly demanding terrain.