Baystate Half Marathon
Lowell, Massachusetts
Sunday, October 18, 2009

I race walked the Baystate Half Marathon on Sunday, October 18, 2009 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The temperature was 40 degrees. The wind was blowing. A steady combination of light rain and sheet continued the whole race. In other words it was a miserable day for a half marathon. The 1700 participants in the half marathon for the most part did a two lap course along both sides the Merrimac River utilizing two bridges making the course mostly flat. For the first 3.5 miles, the course was closed to traffic, and then it had the participants use the side of the road that contained much traffic. Thus, passing opponents or dodging puddles often required using the road and watching out for traffic approaching from behind. I was not very happy with that. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 2 to 3 miles and were manned by plenty of volunteers who braved the terrible weather. Many police officers were along the course at intersections and store entrances as well as patrolling by motorcycle. It was a well organized event.

For my wife, Gerda, finishing the half marathon meant that she has now completed a half marathon in 49 of the 50 states. The fiftieth state will be New Hampshire on November 1, 2009.