Missoula Half Marathon
Missoula, Montana
Sunday, July 13, 2014

I race walked the Missoula Half Marathon in Missoula, Montana on Sunday, July 13, 2014. The weather was wonderful as the temperature varied from 57 to 71 degrees with clear sunny skies and little wind. The point to point course utilized roadway that were either closed to traffic or had a dedicated lane for the participants. Police and volunteers controlled most of the intersections where traffic did not seem to be backed-up very much. A few spectators were located along most of the route cheering enthusiastically for the 4000 participants in the half and full marathon. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately two miles apart until mile eight, then every mile the rest of the way. There were plenty of enthusiastic volunteers attending to the needs of the participants. In addition to water and Gatorade the stations all had ice and energy supplements. I am sure this was appreciated especially by the marathoners as the temperature was expect to continue rising with a high of 97 expected by 5 PM. Another thing that a lot of residents along the route provided was a sprinkler with the spray reaching out on to the course. I saw many of the half marathoners utilizing the sprays so I am sure the marathoners did also. The event was very well organized and fun as in the past. I have done the full marathon once and now the half marathon twice. A print out of everybody’s individual results was given to those that desired and also a free color 5x7 finisher’s photo was taken and immediately printed to those desiring it. Jeff Galloway and his wife were celebrity participants in the full marathon and featured at the Exposition and other events over the weekend. Jeff is a former Olympian who is noted for his walk-run method of finishing a marathon which has been utilized by thousands of people. I have met Jeff at several events in the past. I really had a good opportunity to speak with him and his wife as I recognized him in Atlanta. We shared the flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City and the flight from there to Missoula. No one else seemed to recognize the couple. We chatted a little in Atlanta. A longer time between flights in Salt Lake City, and a short time at the Exposition. Jeff and his wife, Barbara, sharing some of their time with me was appreciated.