National Half Marathon
Washington DC
Saturday, March 20, 2010

It was the beginning of spring when I did the National Half Marathon in Washington DC on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The sun was shining, the wind was calm, and the temperature ranged between 50 and 65 during the race. In fact the weather was perfect for all four days that I was in DC as sun shone brightly in the clear blue skies, the wind remained calm, and the temperatures reached the mid 70’s. The daffodils and early spring flowers displayed their peak beauty and the cherry trees were beginning to bloom. The 12000 participants in the marathon and half marathon were only a small part of the crowd that was in DC on this weekend. Tour busses full junior and senior high school students were enjoying the museums and memorials. Thousands of people were demonstrating about health care reform near the Capitol Building on both Saturday and Sunday. An even bigger crowd, estimated at 150000, was on the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building on Sunday, demonstrating about immigration reform. The tourist and demonstrations did not affect the race. The National Marathon and Half Marathon are the only marathon and half marathon whose course stays completely in DC. The event was extremely well organized. There were between 2 and 4 police officers at every intersection keeping the course closed to vehicular traffic and stopping pedestrians from crossing the course as well for the most part. Water/Powerade stations were located every 2 miles and were manned by enthusiastic volunteers; however, some of the stations were not able to keep up with the amount of participants. Spectators cheered along the entire half marathon course which was about one fourth flat and three fourths hilly. One of the up hills was nearly one mile long and somewhat challenging near the top. The event was very enjoyable despite the fact that my time was very slow because I spent so much time and energy on Thursday and Friday before the race being a tourist without a car, enjoying the sights and the perfect weather. I was fairly exhausted by Saturday evening as after the race I spent 3 more hours walking around Arlington National Cemetery. On Sunday, I had to take it easy. I spend most of my time viewing the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and some of my time watching the immigration demonstration. It was a wonderful trip to Washington DC.