I had not been back to my home state of West (by God) Virginia to visit my twin sister Tina and my grandmother since August 1999, so I was overdue for a visit. After deciding that the foliage of late October would make for a beautiful trip, I made my plans. Oh - and the 25th anniversary Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) just happened to be during that time. Coincidence?!?
I planned on staying in our family home in Berkeley Springs, WV, which Tina and I now own. On my way from Washington Dulles, I stopped to pick up my race bib. As is the case with many marathon trips, I went on this one by myself and was not looking for others I might know. It was not long, however, before I felt an arm around my waist and turned to see Lenore Dolphin. Known as the Dolphin Marathon team, Lenore and 71-year old husband Bob, tour the country looking for trouble. Bob has completed more than 250 marathons since his first, at age 55, and Lenore now volunteers at each one in which he participates. So, I was not alone. Darn, looked like I would have to run after all! After the Expo, it was off to WV, where I visited with Tina and Grandmom before the run.
During the last two times participating in MCM, I stayed the night before in a D.C. hotel, but since I was on my own this time, I made the two-hour drive from WV on race morning. It dawned a perfect autumn day with temperatures in the 60s and clear skies.
I started the race with friend and Big Sur race director Wally Kastner, but he and his friend Susan's "easy pace" was obviously much faster than my "race pace," so they were quickly ahead in the sea of athletes. I ran alone, enjoying the sights of "The People's Marathon," which included nearly every DC attraction, including the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the Smithsonian, and the Jefferson Memorial. At mile 20, I saw Bob, who was looking strong, and we chatted a bit before heading on to the finish. This was one of the few occasions when my name would top Bob's in the results, but I know there will be a rematch soon!
This race is well-planned with plenty of volunteers, including hundreds of Marines who treat their "guests" with much respect. When a friend asked one Marine how he liked the work, the reply was "This is excellent, sir!" though I think he was duty-bound to say that! Logistics for the 25,000 entries are well thought out, but finding facilities, such as the baggage check and the reunion areas are always a problem. A multi-wave start this year eased congestion from the beginning, which was quite an improvement. The route is excellent and eliminates the need for tourists to take a sightseeing bus around the Nation's Capital.
Overall, the Marine Corps Marathon is an excellent, well-run event, which I highly recommend. If anyone is ever interested in doing this one, I can provide details and perhaps even lodging! Just let me know.