By David Rogers. ORLANDO, Fla. — Running a good part of the women’s OUC Orlando Half Marathon seemingly by herself, Blowing Rock-based ZAP Endurance team member Amanda Vestri toppled the distaff field by running the fourth fastest half marathon by an American woman in 2024, to capture the title in 1:08:12, more than two minutes ahead of her nearest distaff rival, Katie Izzo (Flagstaff, Ariz., 1:10.28). It was Vestri’s first race at the half marathon distance (13.1 miles).
“This was an impressive debut by Amanda,” said ZAP Endurance head coach Pete Rea following the race. “She won the women’s race but was also the seventh fastest overall. Her time was also the 13th fastest all-time by an American woman.”
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With the win, Vestri picked up the first place winner’s check for $6,000.
Running against other professional runners, too, ZAP Endurance veteran Josh Izewski finished No. 4 out of the 2,600 athletes taking on the nearly 80-degree Orlando heat and humidity.
Kenya-born American Sam Chelanga, of Fayetteville, N.C., captured the men’s title in 1:02:13, followed by James Quattlebaum (Greenville, S.C., 1:02:26) and Reid Buchanon (Kansas City, Mo., 103:51). Izewski’s No. 4 time was 105:15.
“This was also a good rebound race for Izewski,” said Rea, “running his first race since the New York City Marathon.”
The USATF-certified Orlando course winds through scenic downtown Orlando streets before finishing in Lake Eola Park. In addition to the normal water stations (every 1.5 miles), there is live music along the course, local beer and a post-race, lakeside party.
