In her first competitive running event, 16-year-old Jayden Benson of Chubbuck won the Pocatello half marathon Sept. 5. Benson finished first in the 15-19 age group with a time of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 20 seconds.

Benson took part in one training session prior to the race but had no formal training before running the 13.1-mile race. After the marathon, Benson played two softball games in Idaho Falls.

Benson is a junior at Highland high school and a member of the Rams varsity softball team. She was an all-area first-team selection this past season. She's also a member of the National Honors Society with a 4.0 grade point average.

Benson plans to compete again in the marathon next year.