M75-79: Hagyard owns Napa

• Solo champion: Alan Hagyard, 76, crossed in 5:04:12 — the only finisher in the M75-79 field.
• Pace: 11:36/mi sustained across 26.2 miles on a cool, breezy March morning in Napa Valley.

Alan Hagyard didn't need a rival to make his effort count. The 76-year-old Napa local was the sole representative of the M75-79 field on Sunday, and he delivered — covering the full marathon distance in 5:04:12 at a steady 11:36 per mile in 42°F conditions with a light wind at his back.

There's something to be said for simply showing up and finishing a marathon at 76. Hagyard did exactly that, claiming the M75-79 win — and the only spot on its podium — with a composed, measured effort from start to line. The cool temperatures were about as good as race day gets for distance running, and Hagyard made the most of them.