Music Half Marathon turns up the volume with runners
Runners embraced the cold, windy start for the second Sarasota Music Half Marathon Sunday, Feb. 7.
By
Amanda Morales
| 10:14 a.m. February 7, 2016
Sarasota
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For the second year in a row the Sarasota Music Half Marathon welcomed a sold-out crowd to the starting line.
It was a chilly start with the added challenge of a strong breeze coming off the bay as runners made their way across the John Ringling Bridge. Runners had the added motivation of 20 bands and supporters along the 13.1 mile route.
Following the success of the sold-out race last year organizers increased the number of participants by 1,000 new slots to a total of 3,000 runners.
Among those runners was Paige Butler who was running in memory of her mother. Butler crossed the finish line with family and friends waiting to greet her. When she recognized that her time was 1 hour and 54 minutes, the same as her late mother Sharon Butler's time in a half marathon.
The overall winner, 17-year-old Warran Grajalez took the lead early on in the race. He is a senior at Riverview High School and is on the cross country team.
"It was definitely a great run," said Grajalez. It was amazing that the support was ongoing and it was motivating."
Gavin Michael plays drums for Kettle of Fish as participants race by.
Justin Green on saxophone for Jah Movement and Fred Adams playing the keyboard.
Kettle of Fish performed along the race route for the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon .
The Rev. Richard Marsden from Church of the Redeemer blesses runners on the sixth mile of the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
Nick Nichols and the Rev. Richard Marsden bless runners on the sixth mile of the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul featuring The Hellacious Horns performed for the after party at the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon Sunday, Feb. 7.
Runners make their way to Bayfront Drive during the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon Sunday, Feb. 7.
Runners at the front of the pack Sarasota Music Half Marathon
Runners come off of the Ringling Bridge before turning on to Bayfront Drive.
Runners approach Ringling Boulevard early Sunday morning for the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
It was a dark and chilly start for the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon Sunday, Feb. 7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
Diane Strutt cheers on runners as the approach mile six.
Jose Grajalez with his son, overall winner, Warran Grajalez, Matt and Sydnee Berman.
Kristen Tricarico
Laura Meier and Leslie OIson
Mahree Medero, Sydnee Vance and Vinny Medero goof off at the after party.
Marcia Lichtenstein and Genna Custard made signs to cheer on Alissa Himelfarb.
Medals for the second Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
Mike Langer waits for his wife Ellen to run by him.
Runners were greeted by supporters at every turn of the race.
Ro Marchese with Hillary Butler cheered on Paige Butler who was running in memory of her mother Sharon Butler.
Supporters line both sides of the street near the Unconditional Surrender statue.
Runners at the starting line for the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
Vanessa Casciola and Presley wait at the finish line to cheer on remaining runners.
Warren Grajalez took the lead early and managed to win overall for the 2016 Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
Yolanda Mancha, Megan Wenger, Rebecca McCafferty and Kelsey Roehr wait to show support for Sara Bealor.
