Jeff Krebs Shines at the 2023 San Diego Half Marathon: A Training Day for the Boston Marathon

San Diego, CA – Jeff Krebs, a 62-year-old triathlete and Triple Victor Team Doctor, showcased his running prowess at the 2023 San Diego Half Marathon on Sunday, March 26. He finished second in the highly competitive men’s 60-64 age group, completing the challenging 13.1-mile course with a time of 1:31:49. Jeff’s performance is even more impressive because he used the race as a training day in preparation for the prestigious Boston Marathon.

The day began at 7:00 am, with the starting line at Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Thousands of runners gathered under the morning sun, eager to test their endurance on the city’s scenic and demanding course. Jeff Krebs joined the diverse group of athletes, each with their own goals in mind as they prepared to race.

Navigating the Challenging Course

The San Diego Half Marathon is known for its picturesque route, which winds through iconic neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Old Town, and Mission Hills before leading runners to the scenic waterfront along Harbor Drive. However, it also features “Heartbreak Hill,” a steep incline at mile 9 that tests both physical and mental stamina.

Jeff Krebs’ Performance

Jeff showcased his dedication and skill as he navigated the challenging course, ultimately finishing just behind Bin Liu, who won the 60-64 age group with a time of 1:29:32. Jeff’s impressive performance placed him second out of 88 competitors in his age group, solidifying his reputation as a dominate runner.

Boston Marathon Training

With a focus on fine-tuning preparation for the Boston Marathon and still gaining some valuable recovery from a hard effort at the Tokyo Marathon, Jeff had a few training goals on course. Jeff wanted to use the 46°F weather to test his Boston running gear while focusing on his pace control. Using this demanding course as a training event allowed Jeff to gain valuable experience and confidence that will undoubtedly prove beneficial when he tackles the 26.2-mile race in Boston.

Reactions and Celebrations

As friends, family, and supporters gathered at the finish line in Embarcadero Marina Park North, Jeff was greeted with cheers and applause from his friends and husband, Fritz Friedman. Jeff’s accomplishment was a testament to his hard work and determination and inspired Triple Victor athletes, proving that age is no barrier to success in the sport.

A Race to Remember

While professional athletes like Kenyan runner Elijah Kipchoge and Ethiopian athlete Meseret Defar claimed overall victory in the men’s and women’s divisions, Jeff Krebs’ performance in the San Diego Half Marathon was undeniably remarkable. His achievement served as a reminder that personal goals, perseverance, and a passion for running can drive individuals to reach new heights.

The 2023 San Diego Half Marathon will be remembered not only for its challenging course and outstanding athletic performances but also for the camaraderie and inspiration it brought to the running community. For Jeff Krebs, it was a race that showcased his unwavering dedication to the sport and a vital training day in his journey toward the Boston Marathon.