MOUNT DORA HALF MARATHON – December 21, 2025 (#100)

 

 

It was always just a number out there, but now it’s official: my 100th half marathon is complete.

Full disclosure… it’s not that I consider 100 half marathons a “monumental” event. Sure, it’s impressive, but what’s even more impressive to me is that my body has been able to withstand the punishment over all these years with minimal wear and tear. That notwithstanding, I was more than happy to let everyone within earshot know that I was running my 100th.

We arrived on Friday afternoon and checked into the Lakeside Inn instead of our usual Airbnb. Overlooking Lake Dora, the hotel opened in 1883 and is the oldest continuously operated hotel in the State of Florida. More importantly, it is literally in front of the starting line for the half marathon. Our room was not ready yet, so we sat outside and ate lunch (excellent). We then walked over to pick up our race packets and spoke with Kelly for a few minutes. She knew this was my 100th half and was genuinely excited. This race weekend always coincides with our anniversary (#44), so we typically celebrate by dining at the Goblin Market on Friday night. The food was great, so we didn’t have to order off the bar menu (the curse of picky eaters).

The 5K started at 7:45 on Saturday morning. It wasn’t quite as cold as last year, with a starting temperature of 47°. 1,225 runners/walkers braved the cold — 185 more than last year. The sun was out full force with no wind. Glenda told me I wasn’t talking that much, but I reminded her that she usually walks with Amy & Pam (the three affectionately known as the “Walking Yentas”); the bar is set pretty high. After crossing the finish line, we went back to the hotel for breakfast, which was incredible. Since the weather was now in the 70s, we signed up for a two-hour boat tour on Lake Dora and the Dora Canal. We have done the tour many times, but it was too cold and rainy the past two years. We then had an early dinner at… you guessed it… the hotel.

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning saw a starting temperature of 52°. Vickie (the director of the race) told me there would be a Rabbi saying Mi Shebeirach before the start of the race for last year’s winner (I believe she was hit by a car while running and was in bad shape). This is the main Jewish get-well prayer, asking God for complete healing of body and soul. I wasn’t the only Jew at the starting line, but it didn’t seem as if many runners knew what was happening. It was a thoughtful gesture, and I made sure to say “Amen” when the prayer was over. I was excited to run since I really love this race. 1,162 runners began at 7am, up 185 from last  year. I even got to see Aaron at the starting line.

 

 

I felt good early on and enjoyed the cooler weather. I was keeping a solid pace, and there were a lot of runners behind me (good for the ego). For the first six miles or so, it looked like I might finish under three hours, but I began to slow later, and that dream ended. This is probably not a race to PR, since it is anything but flat. The biggest highlight of the race… I did not stop to pee! Yes, a half marathon with no potty breaks.

 

I ran strong and consistent throughout the race. My pace fluctuated minimally, and over 60 runners finished after me. After crossing the finish line, Kelly had Chris make an announcement that it was my 100th half marathon. Very thoughtful of Kelly, though I was really hoping for a parade 😂😂😂.  I could not think of a better race to accomplish this milestone.

 

We took some photos afterward but had to check out shortly after. The hotel wasn’t quite as accommodating in terms of a later checkout.

Now that I’ve had time to let it sink in, I guess 100 half marathons is a big deal. I’ll milk it as much as I can until January 25, 2026 — the date of the Miami Half Marathon and half marathon #101.