As the Pattonville Half-marathon club grows each year, it attracts more and more runners. Senior Brett Dayton participated for the first time this year on April 6, saying, “All of my friends were doing it, and I wanted to make new friends in the club.”

Running a half-marathon is more than just going out on the day of the race and running 13.1 miles. The training for the race started shortly after winter break. Dayton said training started off easy, and each week it got more difficult. On weekdays, runs would be 3-6 miles, and weekend runs at Forest Park would be 7-12 miles, gradually increasing each week.

Dayton not only had to dedicate time to training, but he also had to make some lifestyle changes. “It was important to know what foods to eat, especially before a run,” he said. He also mentioned that it was good to always drink lots of water.

The race itself was good for Dayton, as he commented, “There were people everywhere. You were never running by yourself.” For most of the race Dayton ran with his brother, and part of the time even walked with superintendent Dr. Mike Fulton.

Despite being sore and tired a few days following the race, Dayton said he was happy he did it, and with more training, would run another half-marathon one day.

Dayton said his experience was great overall, and even better since he was running with a group from Pattonville. “It gave me more motivation, and I thought if someone else can do it, I can too,” Dayton said.