This past weekend, runners from all over the world ran towards the finish line at the annual LifeTime Miami Marathon. This event offers the opportunity to run a Tropical 5k, a half marathon, and a full marathon. Having been around for over 20 years, the race now attracts all types of runners who are able to enjoy running along the iconic Miami coastline. 

The 2024 race was made even more special to the school community due to the participation of two senior runners in the half marathon. Andrea Comas-Sanchez and Laura Calvache, childhood friends and members of the cross country and track teams, completed the race together.

“We ran this race together last year, so doing it again our senior year was really special,” Comas said.

The end of their cross country season marked the beginning of the girls’ intense training. They went on long runs and kept adding mileage to their training for months in order to better prepare for the event. 

The day before the anticipated race, an exposition was held for runners to pick up their race materials and prepare for their big day.

Comas and Calvache arrived at the course at 5 am the day of the race, Sunday, January 28 with their families, ready to showcase their hard work. 

“I was more excited than nervous because this was something I had been looking forward to for so long,” Calvache said. “It ended up being everything I expected and more and I loved every minute of it.” 

After completing their 13.1 miles, the girls celebrated with their friends and family that came out to support. The track and field team was also cheering them on the entire way, as they volunteered. to hand out water to the runners.

“I would tell people who are considering participating in a half or full marathon to be confident in their ability and that the end result will be worth it, because it is, ” Comas said. “Running this race for the second time was not easy, but it was worth all the effort.”