Monument Half Marathon
Gering, Nebraska
Saturday, September 26, 2015

I race walked the Monument Half Marathon in Gering, Nebraska on Saturday, September 26, 2015. The temperature varied from 54 to 72 degrees with some wind and skies that started as mostly cloudy to skies that were mostly sunny. The course was 5 miles of dirt and gravel roads and 8 miles of paved roads and bike paths. From mile 1 to mile 5 the paved road was over top of what originally was part of the Oregon Trail that went through Scotts Bluff National Monument through the Mitchell Pass. There was very little flat places throughout the course with only one challenging short hill of about 100 yards after mile 12. There was a long gradual climb which started at an elevation of 4000 feet at mile 1 and ended at an elevation of 4200 feet at mile 3 which was the summit of Mitchell Pass. A few police officers were needed at key points to control roadway crossing even though there was only a small amount of traffic to control. Volunteers were placed at every turn to ensure all the 250 half marathon participants and 150 marathon participants stayed on course. There were also numerous arrows marked on paved parts of the course. There were a few spectators cheering enthusiastically and thanking participants for coming to Western Nebraska which is very rural and somewhat economically depressed. Water/Gatorade stations were located from 1.5 to 3 miles apart and were manned by plenty of efficient, enthusiastic, friendly volunteers. The event was extremely well organized and very generous with things provided to the participants at the exposition. The entry fee was small compared to other half marathons and had a $10 prerace pasta dinner with live music. I really enjoyed the event as well as spending 4 extra days viewing historical places and museums which allowed me to learn and see an amazing amount of artifacts and historical sights having to do with the Oregon and Mormon Trails, the Pony Express, and Pioneer Life as well as the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.