I ran the Parramatta RaceHub Half Marathon and shaved 9 minutes off my PB!
Parramatta RaceHub Half Marathon Recap: A 9-Minute PB!
Today I ran the Parramatta RaceHub Half Marathon—my second half marathon to date—and walked away with a 9-minute personal best, finishing in 2:06:47. While I didn’t hit my original goal of sub-2 hours, this result is a huge win considering where I started just months ago.
My previous half marathon time was 2:15:58 at the Billbergia Bennelong Bridge Half Marathon, so knocking 9 minutes off shows real growth, consistency, and stronger execution. Progress is progress—and we take those wins!
Race Day Conditions
The weather was moderately rainy. Cool temps made for a decent run climate, but it came with a downside: muddy conditions at the start and finish, especially around the grass at George Kendall Riverside Park. Still, the vibes were high.
The course was scenic, taking us along the Parramatta River, through Western Sydney University, and looping back to the start. It’s a mix of riverside path, paved sections, and trail-like terrain. A great course but definitely one you have to be mindful of underfoot.
Pace & Effort Breakdown
Looking at my splits, the first 5K was strong—holding 5:03 to 5:35/km pace. I felt good early and didn’t overcook it. Heart rate stayed manageable, building from 151 bpm to 176 bpm by KM 5.
Mid-race (KM 6–12) settled into a steady rhythm, hovering in the 5:37 to 6:13/km range. The pace drop in KM 10 (6:13/km) came with a 12m elevation gain and possibly a mental dip, but I was still holding the effort.
In the final third (KM 13–21), fatigue began to set in. Splits ranged from 6:01 to 7:13/km. The final few kilometers were tough—but I kept moving.
Race Analysis:
Fastest KM: 5:03/km
Slowest KM: 7:13/km
Average Pace: 6:03/km
Time at 5K: 27:05
Time at 10K: 56:09
Time at 15K: 1:26:50
This pacing shows a strong start and middle, with a fade in the final stretch—common for runners still building their endurance engine.
Heart Rate Analysis:
84.5% of the race was in Z4 (Threshold Zone: 169–184 bpm)
14% was spent in Z3 (Tempo Zone: 153–169 bpm)
Clearly, I was on the edge for most of this race, pushing myself mentally and physically.
Cadence & Form
Despite the fatigue, cadence stayed consistent around 172–174 spm, which is a great sign. No dramatic drops or inefficiency creep.
What’s Next?
This race is part 1 of the 3-part Parramatta RaceHub Series. The next event is set for 29 June, and you better believe I’ve got that sub-2 target still in my sights. I’ll be analyzing this performance and making tweaks to get stronger, smarter, and faster for round two.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just about the clock—it was about showing growth, trusting the process, and turning up no matter the conditions. Rain, mud, or mental fatigue—none of it stopped me.
A 9-minute PB is no joke, and I’m proud of this one. Let’s keep building.
Follow My Journey:
Strava: https://strava.app.link/jXZyg4zx5Rb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rookie2ultra
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rookie2ultra
I’d also like to acknowledge my Wife for waking up at 5 am to cheer me on! She really is the best person I could ask for to spend an eternity with! My Number 1 Cheerleader!