Peter Wright recently completed his first full marathon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, achieving a finishing time of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds. This milestone comes after he participated in half-marathons at the Reggae Marathon in 2024 and 2025 and established a routine of 10-mile runs every Saturday.
Wright expressed his excitement about the accomplishment, saying, “It was amazing knowing I finally accomplished something I’ve thought about for years and for which I trained for months.” He celebrated crossing the finish line alongside fellow members of the Pacers Running Club, including Rick Case, Amma Spence, Lesa Powell, and Sasha-Gay Forbes, who were there to document the moment.
Directly after finishing the race, Wright reached for a Gatorade and a complimentary banana to replenish his energy. His commitment to running has deep roots, starting with his use of his mother’s treadmill as a teenager, eventually leading him to the roads as an adult.
‘I like pushing myself’
Wright, who also performs under the name Five Steez, says he enjoys the physical and mental aspects of running, stating, “I like the way it makes me feel. I like pushing myself to go further and faster. And I also enjoy the health benefits.” He is an active member of both the Jamdammers and Pacers Running Club.
The decision to participate in the marathon was strategic for Wright, aligning with his training schedule. Knowing fellow club members would compete in the race provided additional motivation. He followed a rigorous 15-week training plan, which included three days of running and three days of strength training each week. His long runs peaked at 32 kilometers, with sessions sometimes starting as early as 3:30 a.m.
Wright’s strength training predominantly focused on leg exercises such as squats, calf raises, and lunges. He maintained a balanced diet, trying to consume more carbohydrates in the days leading up to his runs for energy. He noted that, while the training was challenging, he never seriously considered quitting, attributing his resilience to the lessons learned from his marathon mentors, including Kemroy Johnson, Steven Kerr, and Aileen Corrigan.
As he approached the final miles of the marathon, Wright reminded himself that “this is where the race really starts and this is where it’s won,” fueling his determination to finish strong.
After the race, Wright marked his achievement with a celebratory breakfast at Burger King, a tradition he has followed after local 5K races. He advised aspiring marathon runners to start with shorter races like 5Ks before progressing to half-marathons, suggesting that training with experienced partners from running clubs can provide valuable support. “I wouldn’t have been able to complete my training injury-free and finish my first marathon in the time I did without the support of my marathon mentors and running partners in these clubs,” he said.
Wright’s achievement highlights the dedication required to tackle such a significant athletic challenge.
krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com
