Local runner achieves longtime goal

March 23, 2011

Local resident Tomas Rodriquez has won the National Masters half marathon championship, held in Melbourne, Florida, on Feb. 6, 2011.

He won the national title for his age group (55-59) with a time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and eight seconds for the 13.2 mile course.

Rodriguez, who splits his time between Mammoth Lakes and Laguna Beach, came out of retirement two and a half years ago, after a 30-year break from distance running. Although very successful during his college running days, a national title eluded him. His highest NCAA finish was 11th.

Training with running coach Andrew Kastor, Rodriguez began his comeback and quest for a National Title in Mammoth. During his time with Kastor, Rodriguez has won every major marathon he entered, culminating in his national title.