2007 Grandfather Mountain Marathon Race Report

 

UPDATE! I did it! Rode across the USA on a bicycle! Check out my journal of the adventure here at: Three Spokes and a Mirror

Hi!
Many of you know I wasn't planning on running any races in July especially after doing the Boogie 50 mile run last month. Well, on a whim I decided to enter the Grandfather Mountain Marathon and join Kim, Ron, and Ricky in the fun. I have to admit it was a good decision and we all had a blast. I'm sore, no doubt, but not as bad as I thought considering only having a four week recovery period from the ultra (note to self- wait a wee bit longer before running distance next time).

This year's run took place on Saturday July 14, 2007 and was the 40th anniversary. It's billed as "One of America's Toughest Marathons" and begins at the Kidd Brewer Stadium on the Appalachian State University campus in Boone, NC. It's a point to point race ending at the McRae Meadows in Linville, NC- the site of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Okay 'nuff said, on with the pictures........

 

L-R Ron, Ricky, Sharon, Korre, and Wendy meeting up at the Super 8

Packet pick-up was no frills. Get your bib and shirt at the first table, then proceed to the next table for your shuttle ticket back to the start. You won't find vendors here but you can pick up a hand thrown coffee mug from a local potter or a left over t-shirt from last years race if you want. Considering the race is limited to 460 runners, having anything more would just be overkill.

 

Packet pick-up fun. What no expo?

 

Kidd Brewer Stadium. We'll do one lap around then head for the hills!

 

Ron, Ricky, and Kim checking out the track

 

Our pasta dinner would be at a Boone landmark- Joe's Italian Kitchen. It's small, has quick service, and great food. Carb up!

 

Kim and Marc meet up with Mike and Carol from Charlotte. They have a place in Boone and dropped by for dinner

 

The rest of the gang (LR)Wendy, Colleen, Korre, Jason, Ricky, and Sharon

 

Wendy and Colleen sampling a white and red wine at Joe's. Funny but I thought you only tasted white lightning out of those type glasses?

 

Hey! No wine for you mister, you're running in the morning!

 

Marc's bib

 

Up at midnight 30 to perform the "Chi" ceremony

 

Race day! Kim, Ricky, and Marc waiting in the truck at the start

The weather was perfect! Clear skies with temps in the mid 50's at the start with mid 70's for a high.

 

Kim and Marc happy at the start

 

 

Well, if it isn't Mark Long with a group of Mangum Track Club girls. See what you missed Professor?

 

Our posse- Ron, Kim, Marc, Ricky

 

Greg getting in position to capture all the start line action shots

 

Our scream team (LR)Jason, Korre, Kathy, Greg, Colleen, Sharon, Wendy

 

What a great looking group of runners

 

Ron checking his watch

 

Kim adjusting her shoes

 

Ricky double checking the fanny pack

 

Off in a flash!

 

Ron and Kim feeling their oats!

 

Hey, there's Chuck running with Kim.

 

Spotted this mailbox along the way. Hmmmm, a hidden message perhaps?

 

That's the Boogieman (Doug Dawkins) leading the pack

 

Dancing with the stars!

 

Shots along the course

 

It was a great day to run in the North Carolina mountains

 

Yes, the finish line is this way!

 

More scream team aerobics!

 

 

 

 

Ron used to have a truck just like this. How'd he fit in it I wonder?

 

Where else can you get curb service like this? Way to go Colleen!

 

TWO MORE TO GO!

 

Mile 24

 

You know the finish is near when you look up and see Kim dancing in the road!

 

Kim in the wind!

 

The finish sprint and....

 

Dash to the end

 

Ron's medal tradition

 

Kim and Marc enjoying the PB&J

 

Ron voted Colleen "Best PB&J Chef of the Highland Games" Congratulations!

 

Ahhh, it feels good to lay down and stretch out!

 

Ron and Kathy

 

Marc describing how steep some of the hills felt

 

The Boogieman and Wendy enjoy a laugh

 

Ron and Chuck at the finish

 

Sharon, Ricky, and Korre. Good to see you guys!

 

The three amigos

In Appreciation

Special thanks goes out to:

* All the public safety folks for a job well done
* All the smiling volunteers at the aid stations
* All the drivers who moved over far enough for the runners to get by
* Whoever it was who thought it would be a good idea to provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for all the runners at the finish line tent- you rock!
* Our scream team

 

The best darn support team ever! You guys were awesome!
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Hey, want to see a gazillion more great photos of our Grandfather Mountain Marathon adventure? Hit the link below:

James Gregory Photography

(thanks Greg for allowing me to use some of your photo's in the blog!)

Later,

Marc