PISA, Italy - Army Capt. Stephanie Feagin, U.S. Army Garrison Livorno Headquarters and Headquarters detachment commander, was the first woman to cross the May 17 Pisa Half Marathon finish line, completing the race in 1 hour, 30 minutes, 6 seconds.
Feagin, who has represented several units on Army 10-miler teams over the years, wanted to increase her competitive race distance, and nearby Pisa provided the perfect opportunity.
"This was the first half marathon I have ever run ... I wasn't sure if (this race) was 13.1 miles (or an even longer) 27 kilometers," said Feagin. "I asked an Italian man running by me at the 18 kilometer mark, and he assured me that it was only 21 kilometers."
Despite the language barriers, Feagin said it was a great experience.
"There were so many people asking me where I was from and cheering me on; the Italian man I asked directions from ran the last three kilometers with me and kept pushing me on and encouraging me when all I wanted to do was puke," said Feagin.
After crossing the finish line, the captain collapsed on the "Field of Miracles" near the Leaning Tower, and said she thanked God "for the beautiful run."
Feagin completes her military career this summer and is headed to a ministry school in Bolivia afterwards.
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