Not many pictures these last eight miles. The course is still on the wide paths, and there aren't
too many runners to photograph! There go the "Marathon Maniacs" (that's the singlet they were
wearing), Sara and Alyson

This volunteer was right beside the intersection with a trail that branched off by a lake. The
sign pointing to the trail read "Easy Way Out". I guess he was standing guard in case
anyone bailed!

I chased this young lady all day long. Never even came close to catching her. Her name is Sally Squier. She is one of the main people at the Umstead 100 and she and her husband Bill have been ultrarunners many years and have been to Pikes Peak numerous times. She is hoping to become the oldest woman (she's 65) to finish a 100 this year at Lean Horse.

Between 22 and 23 the course did a little out and back on a side trail. This volunteer got the
award for "most out of the way assignment", he (like all the rest) was 100% encouraging.
That's Mike from Clayton on the right, we had been passing each other back and forth for a few miles.

No way to go from here except turn around! On the pull out from this point, Mike and I stuck
together and shared the last 3+ miles. It was ONLY with his encouragement that I was able
to beat the cutoff. Otherwise I might still be beside the trail waiting in vain for the back pain
to subside.

Donna and David headed for the turnaround

One of Mike's friends came out to run us in the last half-mile, he snapped this picture just
past Mile 26. It's good to have people waiting for you.

This was my 76th marathon - rarely has a finish line looked so good!

Instead of medals, all finishers get VERY nice commemorative glasses - and a door prize!

Thanks to the Donster for his support, he's a friend you can count on - or in this case, lean on.

Summary:

Great course, wonderful volunteers, outstanding organization.

Wish I had been more physically capable, the graph of my mpm paces tells the tale:

But if God is good enough to you to allow you to cross the finish line,
you really have no room to complain. It was indeed a beautiful day.

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