The weather was unusually cooperative for the Christmas Marathon this year, partly sunny with no slippery ice to contend with as last year. This well-marked out and back course runs along roads from Millersylvania State Park in Olympia Washington. The 5k, half and full marathons run the same course with different turn around points for each.
At the plentiful aid stations, someone would call ahead asking whether you wanted Gatorade or water and have it ready to put into your hands as you passed by. A few of the volunteers were children on bikes who took advance drink orders and directed us to the finish. Very cute.
The race finished in a park kitchen where there was a fire, plentiful sandwich making supplies and sweets for even the last runner. Awards were available as soon as you finished. With the chilly wind and open-air kitchen, this was really appreciated. Showers were available at the campsite bathrooms.
Some of the experiences on the course were; left turn at the barking dogs, run along the fence with the happy greyhound, seeing if you could make it back across the bridge before the flood waters rose, and of course, all of the lovely views of the homes that recently became waterfront property.
Thanks go to Bob Green and all the wonderful volunteers.
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