As promised, the Grand Island course was flat, the flattest course I may ever run. And even though I felt ill prepared, I was able to run the whole distance without a walk break, barring water stops. (It's hard to drink and run at the same time.) The early morning start proved very favorable, 60 degree temps and a misty fog that hung in the air throughout most of the race.
There was a marathon being run at the same time as the half, a Boston qualifier. I met a couple of women prior to the race who were running their first full marathon--even took a photo for them. And, as is usual for me, I spent a good portion of the race talking to someone I met on the course. (Believe it or not, it was the other runner who initiated the conversation.) He was from Grand Island, lived in Lincoln for a dozen years before moving back to Grand Island, a rep for AstraZenca, has two young kids, has a cousin who lives in Green Bay that works for Humana and, believe it or not, is a Packer fan. He told me this run has a long history, around 35 years. He kept my pace until there was about 5 miles left, then turned it up a notch. It was nice having the company for a while.
Highlights of NE:
- Bringing the family and visiting with friend-of-the-family Melette
- Finishing before the first full marathon finisher (seconds before, but before)
- Finishing 12 of 24 in my age division (top half)
- Helpful, friendly volunteers (most I've ever seen for a race)
- Tommy's 24-hour Restaurant - ate breakfast there on race day after picking up packet. Super friendly staff, nice small town atmosphere.
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