Hendersonville’s Scott Wietecha made history Saturday by winning the Nashville marathon for an unprecedented sixth time in a row.
The 36-year-old PE teacher at Beech High School crossed the finish line at 2:28:19. He told NewsChannel 5 that he had three bowls of Lucky Charms, a granola bar, a bottle of Gatorade and coffee for breakfast.
“Fortunately, I have an iron stomach,” he tweeted.
It's not your typical answer but last night was pizza and this morning, I had three bowls of Lucky Charms, a granola bar, a bottle of Gatorade and coffee. Fortunately, I have an iron stomach. 😁
— Scott Wietecha (@ScottWietecha) April 28, 2018
Wietecha said his job coaching the school's cross country team left him uncertain if he would be able to train for Saturday's race. But after some pushing from his students and family, Wietecha decided to run.
"I was happy to pull off number six," he said moments after crossing the finish line. "It was a little tougher than I thought but I made it to the end so I’m happy."
In second place was Madut Garang, of Lebanon, Tennessee, with a time of 2:29:54, and third place went to Kevin Fink, of Tipp City, Ohio, with a time of 2:39:03.
The winner of the women's marathon was Stella Christoforou, of Campbell, Kentucky, who finished in 2:53:47. Heather Crowe, of Palatine, Illinois, finished with a final time of 3:07:48 to take second place, and Cristina Noble, of Brighton, Michigan, finished in third with a time of 3:08:22.
Roosevelt Cook, of Hesperia, California, won the men's half-marathon in 1:09:27, while Gisela Olalde, of Nashville, won the women's half-marathon in 1:19:50.
The race began at 7:15 a.m. Saturday at Broadway and 8th Avenue and ended at Nissan Stadium.
To see more results from the marathon, visit their website for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Nashville online.
The athletes have reached Music Row! Look alive y'all, you're on @NC5! #RnRNashvillepic.twitter.com/Cp1W4izgE0
— Jesse Knutson (@JesseKnutsonNC5) April 28, 2018
Runners spent Thursday and Friday picking up packets that included items like a race bib as they prepared for the big day.
Fortunately, good weather was on tap for this year's marathon— much cooler than last year. The marathon in 2017 saw heat and high humidity. It was one of the hottest marathons in the 19 years they have held the race in Nashville.
Our own Jennifer Kraus, Chris Conte, and Dan Kennedy also participated in this year's race.
If you'd like to learn about more races in the series, click here.
Perfect morning for a run! Good luck to the #Nashville#RockNRollMarathon runners! pic.twitter.com/vcKzV63jc9
— Dan Kennedy (@NC5_DanKennedy) April 28, 2018
Made it to the finish! Thanks to all the spectators who came out and watched today! @NC5pic.twitter.com/UPCPVoioPD
— Chris Conte (@chrisconte) April 28, 2018
