Heard expressed excitement after completing the race in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain on 4/10. *Instagram / Amber Heard*

Amber Heard made a remarkable debut at the Medio Maraton Donostia San Sebastian Rural Kutxa in San Sebastian, Basque Country on 4/10. Despite rainy conditions, the 40-year-old actress finished the 21,075 km half marathon in 1 hour, 39 minutes, 54 seconds, achieving a sub-1h40 time on her very first attempt.

This impressive performance placed Heard 95th among 1396 female runners, positioning her within the top 7% of finishers. When considering both male and female participants, she ranked 830th out of 3.801 total finishers. Heard maintained an average speed of approximately 12,7 km/h, which translates to a consistent 4:44 pace per km.

Heard's ability to achieve a sub-1h40 time in her inaugural half marathon is particularly noteworthy. According to a 2007 study published on PubMed, this is a significant milestone for recreational runners, demanding an average pace below 4:45 per km throughout the entire 21,1 km distance.

Her strong speed foundation was evident in June, when she participated in her first 10 km race in Madrid, completing it in 44 minutes, 15 seconds, with an average pace of about 4:26. The fact that she could more than double the distance while maintaining a 4:44 pace, only about 20 seconds slower, in less than four months demonstrates her excellent aerobic fitness.

Heard started the race quickly, completing the first 5 km in 22 minutes, 14 seconds, at a 4:27 pace. She passed the 10 km mark after 45 minutes, 5 seconds, before slowing down in the second half of the race. Nonetheless, the actress successfully maintained her sub-1h40 target. Following the race, Heard shared a photo on Instagram with her medal, celebrating the completion of her first half marathon in 1 hour, 39 minutes.

Heard (wearing a scarf on her hip) on the race course on 4/10. *Instagram / Amber Heard*

Born in 1986 in Texas, US, Heard is widely recognized for her role as Mera in "Aquaman" and "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom", alongside other films such as The Rum Diary and Justice League. Her personal life, particularly her marriage and lawsuit with actor Johnny Depp, previously attracted significant public attention.

Depp (right) and Heard (left) during a court hearing in Fairfax. *Reuters*

After the lawsuit was settled in late 2022, Heard departed Hollywood, relocating to Spain where she has maintained a more private life. She currently resides with her three children: daughter Oonagh Paige and twins Agnes and Ocean. While the actress has reduced her public appearances and film activities, she is slated to return to the stage in 2025.

Nhat Tao