Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 22, 2026 Participant: Laura Stewart #546 Race: 2026 Habanero Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

Consistent Rally Secures Third-Place Finish in the Women's Field Laura Stewart completed the Half Marathon distance at the 2026 Habanero Hundred in 2:53:03, averaging 13:06 per mile across 13.2 miles. The result placed her 12th overall out of 110 participants and 3rd among women a solid showing at what organizers bill as Texas' hottest trail race, run at high noon on a single 10km loop course with real-feel temperatures regularly topping 100 degrees. Stewart's splits reveal a race of two distinct halves. She opened briskly, covering her first three miles at an 11:12 pace and sitting 3rd among women through the early going. A tougher middle stretch followed from miles 4 through 7, where her pace eased into the 12:1415:20 range and she slipped to 4th overall in the women's field though she led the F30-39 division outright during that span. Starting at mile 8, Stewart regained ground, reclaiming 3rd place overall among women and holding it the rest of the way, punctuated by a strong 10:25 split at mile 12. One notable feature of the Habanero Hundred is its cupless format: every entrant, including half marathoners, is required to carry a minimum of 500ml of personal hydration for the entire race, with aid stops like the aptly named "Hot Tamales" station supporting runners along the loop. Stewart's finish inside the top 15 overall, despite a mid-race dip, reflects solid endurance and composure in demanding heat. Tightening pacing consistency through the middle miles where the biggest time losses occurred could help her convert that late rally into an even stronger overall placement in future races.