Results/Photos

Date: Aug. 22, 2026 Participant: Kenneth Simpson #466 Race: 2026 Habanero Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

A Steady Climb Through the Field Kenneth Simpson, 53, of Austin, completed the Half Marathon at the 2026 Habanero Hundred in 2:48:54, an overall pace of 12:47 per mile. Racing two laps of the event's signature 10km loop at the 7IL Ranch, he finished 8th overall among 110 participants, 6th in the male field, and 2nd in the Masters division. Simpson opened aggressively, clocking sub-11:20 splits through the first three miles (11:48, 10:48, 11:17) that pushed him into the top 20 early and briefly into the overall M50-59 division lead by mile 6. A rough patch hit in miles 7 and 8, where splits slowed to 16:03 and 16:31 a stretch consistent with the punishing conditions this race is known for. He answered immediately, running an 11:27 mile 9, then closing miles 10 through 12 in 13:49, 12:53, and 11:02 to climb to 7th overall before the finish, settling into 8th at the tape. The Habanero Hundred bills itself as Texas' hottest trail race, run in August with real-feel temperatures regularly surpassing 100 degrees context that makes Simpson's midrace dip in miles 7-8 understandable and his rebound over the following miles all the more encouraging. Tightening pacing consistency through those middle miles could help him convert his strong early speed into an even sharper finish next time out. Overall, his 8th-place finish and runner-up showing in the Masters division reflect a well-managed effort on a genuinely challenging course.