Squamish resident Margreet Dietz took home her second marathon victory on the weekend, posting the top female time and eighth-fastest mark among all runners at the Bellingham Bay Marathon.

Dietz blazed through the course in three hours, nine minutes, 40 seconds, competing against more than 400 other men and women who took on the full marathon on Sunday (Sept. 25).

“It was an awesome day, the course offers spectacular views and has supportive spectators along the way,” she said. “It’s a well-organized event.”

She said that windy conditions increased the difficulty of the course.

“In one part of the race, just before Mile 24, the course went across a walkway over the water,” she said. “It was tough to simply move forward.”

Dietz said she was gunning for either a course record or a personal best time but despite failing to do so, still felt good about her run.

“I ran the first half in 1:32 and the second half in 1:37,” she said. “Not quite the even split I was looking for but still I am very pleased with the win and very much enjoyed the race.”

Next up for Dietz is the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon on Oct. 9.

For more information on Dietz, check out her blog at www.margreetdietz.com.