Half Marathon 2 Marathon
Marathon, Texas
Saturday, October 25, 2014

On Saturday, October 25, 2014 I race walked the Half Marathon 2 Marathon in Marathon, Texas. The weather was wonderful with sunny skies, temperatures between 64 and 78 degrees, and little wind. The course started on Texas Route 385 and finished in Marathon in front of the Gage Hotel. The road was open to traffic that had a speed limit of 75 mph and had a paved shoulder about 6 feet wide for the approximately 450 participants in the four events: marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Fortunately the traffic was sparse and seemed to give the participants plenty of space. From the start line to 1.5 miles outside of Marathon there are no cross roads and no housing. The course itself was a gradual downhill with 2 small gradual uphill sections. County police officers patrolled the road in their automobiles. Water/electrolyte stations were spaced every 2 miles and manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. This part of West Texas is very rural and somewhat challenged economically. The town of Marathon has approximately 420 residents and let the participants know how much they appreciated everyone’s coming to the town as this event is a major fund raiser for the community. The event is very well organized and even had chip timing and a free spaghetti dinner on Friday. It takes some effort to come to Marathon, Texas to do the event. It was worth it.