Bayshore Marathon
Traverse City, Michigan
Saturday, May 23, 2009

Traverse City, Michigan is known as the cherry capitol of the United States and the trees were full of blossoms as I race walked the Bayshore Marathon on Saturday, May 23, 2009. The out and back course was flat along the east shore of East Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. There was only a little breeze and the sky was overcast for most of the race. The temperature was between 54 and 62 degrees while the sky was overcast; however, the temperature shot up to 70 degrees when the sun came out for the last hour of the race making it seem hot. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 1.5 to 2 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. The course was mostly closed to traffic and there was a large shoulder in the 2.5 miles section that was open. There were volunteers and police controlling traffic at intersections. It was a very organized, well run event that was limited to 1500 marathoners and 1000 half marathoners. There was a pre-race spaghetti dinner sponsored by the local high school track and football teams that was a delicious buffet of homemade food. I enjoyed myself completely.