Shiprock Half Marathon
Shiprock, New Mexico
Saturday, May 7, 2011

When I finished the Shiprock Half Marathon in Shiprock, New Mexico on Saturday, May 7, 2011, I reached the race walking mile stone of finishing a total of 200 marathons (135) and half marathons (65) since I began in 2002. This is the only event held entirely on the Navajo Reservation. The course in Shiprock starts at 5700 feet and gradually descends to 5200 feet; however, there is about a half mile uphill at the start which was somewhat challenging because of the combination of uphill and altitude before being able to settle into my rhythm. One lane of paved road was closed to traffic and devoted to the participants. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 2 miles until mile six; after which they were located every mile. They were plenty of enthusiastic volunteers at each station that met the needs of the 450 participants in the marathon and half marathon, which was the capacity for the event. The age group awards were beautiful Native American hand made vases. The Navajo people were extremely friendly and made my visit to the reservation enjoyable and worthwhile.