DOUG FEINBERG
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Caroline Wozniacki was thrilled with her first marathon.
The tennis star ran the 26.2 mile course in just under 3 hours, 27 minutes — a few minutes ahead of her desired time. She originally had hoped to come in under 4 hours and quickly adjusted her goal to 3:30 during the race. So when she crossed the line and saw her time she was ecstatic.
“The crowd was amazing. It was incredible. It was such an incredible experience,” the 24-year-old former No. 1 ranked player said. “I’m so happy to have done this. I’m so proud. Now I have this medal. I can say that I’ve done the New York City Marathon. I’ve even done it at a cool time. So I’m really, really happy.”
She was met at the finish line by her friend and tennis rival Serena Williams and the pair hugged.
Wozniacki was somewhat amazed that she had done so well since she admitted that she didn’t really prepare as well as she could have for the race. Her longest training run was 13 miles.
“I think I’ve done everything you’re not supposed to do before a marathon,” Wozniacki said laughing. “I had a Halloween party three days ago and came back at like 4 in the morning. Two days ago I chilled a little bit, but I’ve been really busy.”
She also said that she went to the New York Rangers game on Saturday night, foregoing a traditional pasta dinner.
Wozniakci was also busy raising money for charity. Her marathon raised over $81,000 for Team for Kids, which helps fund marathon organizer New York Road Runners’ youth programs. She said that Williams made a big contribution to the charity.
Wozniacki left open the chance to run another marathon — just don’t expect it any time soon.
“Right now I don’t think I’m going to do one for a few years, but probably at some point I’m going to do another one. Right now I’m just tired,” she said. “I’m exhausted. If you ask me right now, then I’d say no, but I’m sure that I’m going to look back on this experience and say that this was awesome and want to do it again.”
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