Date: May 17, 2026 Participant: Samantha Zidek #1672 Race: 2026 REVEL Reno Tahoe Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

Consistent Pace with Strategic Finish Samantha Zidek of McHenry, IL completed the 2026 REVEL Reno Tahoe Half Marathon in 2:29:29, averaging an 11:24 min/mile pace. As a part of the Black Sheep Run team, she maintained a stable start with a first-mile pace of 9:28 min/mile, but gradually saw her pace decrease over time. She notably had a mid-race fluctuation, with the seventh-mile marking her slowest split at 11:48 min/mile but managed to recover slightly by the last mile. In terms of placement, Samantha started strong within her division, reaching the 10th position in F55-59 at one point before finishing 18th. Observing her splits, a promising improvement could come from managing pace changes, particularly after the midpoint. Her early miles demonstrated potential for a faster average pace if sustained. Overall, Samantha showcased resilience, staying persistent through the finish line amidst varying conditions and competition.