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HOUSTON – An 11-year-old Houston runner is making history after crossing the finish line at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.<\/p>\n
Leonel Mendoza didn\u2019t just finish the race \u2014 he broke a world record for his age group, clocking an astonishing 1 hour, 23 minutes, beating the previous record by 35 seconds.<\/p>\n
Leonel Mendoza’s love of running <\/p>\n
Running is a family affair for Leonel, who trains year-round and is often found putting in miles at the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track. His mother, Amy Swintz-Mendoza, says his talent showed early.<\/p>\n
“The first time I ever ran a race with him, we did a 5K \u2014 he was seven,” she said. “He beat me by 30 seconds.”<\/p>\n
Leonel trains with Heart of Houston Track, practicing several nights a week at Yates High School during the school year. He also runs long distances on weekends with friends and coaches who\u2019ve become like family.<\/p>\n
Beating a world record <\/p>\n
Leonel says the record didn\u2019t come easy.<\/p>\n
“Near mile eight, I was struggling. This was the hardest one I\u2019ve ever done,” he said. “My feet were burning, and by mile eleven I was really feeling it \u2014 but I pushed through.”<\/p>\n
His final pace \u2014 just over 6 minutes per mile for 13.1 miles \u2014 stunned even seasoned runners.<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s a 6:13 pace for thirteen miles,” Amy said. “It\u2019s ridiculous.”<\/p>\n
Leonel first ran the Houston Half Marathon last year, finishing in 1:27. After learning the world record set by another 11-year-old, according to the Association of Road Racing Statisticians<\/a>, was 1:23:58, he set his sights on history.<\/p>\n “I told myself I wanted that record,” Leonel said. “This is my first official world record.”<\/p>\n Despite his success, Leonel has a message for runners of all levels.<\/p>\n “No matter who you are \u2014 if you just started or if you\u2019ve trained for a long time \u2014 just keep going and do the best you can.”<\/p>\n The fifth-grader attends Kolter Elementary School and already has his sights set on the future. One of his goals this year: becoming No. 1 in the nation at the Junior Olympics.<\/p>\n The Source: Reporter Leslie DelasBour spoke with Leonel Mendoza and Amy Swintz-Mendoza one-on-one<\/p>\n