Zach Haskins was the 1st place finisher of the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon.

Zach Haskins was the 1st place finisher of the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon with a time of 1:11:26. Hear more of his story here.

MNRS: How was your race?

Zach: I thought it went well. This was my first half marathon. I was a mid distance runner in college and this is only my third longer race, so it was fun to see how I could do. I am training for Grandma's Marathon and this was a great check in to prepare myself.

MNRS: What was your favorite part?

Zach: I really enjoyed the course and how much of it was right along the lake. The atmosphere was fun and enjoyable.

MNRS: What is your goal for 2019?

Zach: My goal for 2019 is to run a 2:30 marathon. I am running my first marathon at Grandma's. Depending on my time there I will see what races I will sign up for next.

MNRS: When did you start running?

Zach: My dad had me running races from when I was 4 years old. I really started to enjoy running myself when I was in high school. I competed in college at Bethel University where I was a 4x Track and Field All American in the Mile and 1500. I have been coaching high school track and cross country since I graduated and still run quite a bit on my own.

MNRS: What inspires you to run?

Zach: I just love to run. In college I was so focused on competition, but as a working professional I enjoy the stress relief that running provides. I also think what keeps me running is the runner's high I get after big workouts or runs.