Local runner achieves longtime goal

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Local resident Tomas Rodriquez has won the National Masters half marathon championship, held in Melbourne, Florida, on Feb. 6, 2011.

He won the national title for his age group (55-59) with a time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and eight seconds for the 13.2 mile course.

Rodriguez, who splits his time between Mammoth Lakes and Laguna Beach, came out of retirement two and a half years ago, after a 30-year break from distance running. Although very successful during his college running days, a national title eluded him. His highest NCAA finish was 11th.

Training with running coach Andrew Kastor, Rodriguez began his comeback and quest for a National Title in Mammoth. During his time with Kastor, Rodriguez has won every major marathon he entered, culminating in his national title.