Marathon Bahamas’ elite athlete SPEEDS thru Space Coast Half Marathon

Cobi Morrales, 37, of Miami, a running shoe store owner, won the half-marathon in 1:17:36 after deciding at the last minute to enter the event. To Morales, the 40th Space Coast Marathon was less about mathematics than about doing well and simply enjoying a run along the Indian River Lagoon on a warm Sunday morning. Morales was the first man to cross the finish line in the half marathon, with a relatively narrow victory over two local favorites, John Davis of Melbourne (1:20.22) and Steve Hedgespeth of West Melbourne (1:20.44). He was relaxed after his victory.

“Yes, I’m happy (with his finish). I’m always happy,” the 37-year-old Miami resident said. “It was an absolutely gorgeous day, the course was great and I had a great time.”

Nevertheless, Morales said he knew he had the race won from “the very first mile. I was just concerned with keeping a nice pace. I don’t really compete, race to win, but to participate.” Morales is a two-time winner of the 13.1 FLL with a PR of 1:13:55 and the most recent winner o the Naples Daily News in 1:14:42.

Guatemalan-born Morales will be participating in the half marathon at Marathon Bahamas and is a member of WildSide Elite Racing Team.