Charlotte Half Marathon

Charlotte, North Carolina

Saturday, November 12, 2016

I celebrated my birthday (71^st) by completing the Charlotte Half Marathon in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, November 12, 2016.  It was a nice day for the event as the temperature ranged from 46 to 52 degrees with mostly sunny skies and a breeze from 7 to 10 MPH.  The course utilized roads in Charlotte that were completely closed to traffic with one to three police officers at almost every intersection.  The course was almost entirely up and down with very little flat sections.  None of the changes in elevation were very challenging.  Water/Gatorade stations were located every 1.5 miles and had plenty of tables and friendly efficient volunteers to take care of the needs of the participants: however, some of the stations were somewhat crowded because of the number of participants..  There were 841 finishers in the marathon, 2225 finishers in the half marathon. 616 finishers in the 5K and 75 marathon relay finishers.  As usual the event was very well organized and enjoyable.  I have now done the marathon twice and the half marathon four times.  Making my birthday even more special, I managed to finish third in my running age group despite the fact that I race walked the entire way.

Me at the Packet Pick-up

Me before the Race

Me After the Race

Chad Crockford

Marathon Winner