Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker

Crawlin Crab Half Marathon

Hampton, Virginia

Sunday, October 7, 2018

On Sunday, October 7, 2018 I race walked the Crawlin Crab Half Marathon in Hampton, Virginia. It was somewhat hot as the temperature varied from 70 to 80 degrees with mostly sunny skies and no breeze. The course was almost flat on city roads that were completely closed to traffic. Police and volunteers were located at every intersection (there were many) to ensure that traffic and participants were kept separated. One low level bridge over Interstate 64 had to be traversed before mile 1 and after mile 12 by the 1447 finishers in the half marathon, offering a slight up and down. Water/Gatorade stations were located about 2 miles apart and were manned by plenty of friendly volunteers; however, the water and Gatorade volunteers were mixed together making it somewhat difficult to obtain the desired liquid. Because of the heat I took 2 or 3 cups of Gatorade at each stop to ensure that I did not get too dehydrated. All the members of the Half Fanatics (an international club to which I belong) who entered the race were give a wrist band at the exposition to allow them to access the VIP area. For some unknown reason almost no one took advantage of this wonderful perk. The VIP area had its own porta-potties, a tent with tables and chairs, food and drinks both before and after the race. I did not eat or drink anything before the race, but I sure took advantage after I finished as did the pacers and the race committee. My friend, Bart Yasso formerly of Runners World, did the event and pushed a wheelchair athlete who was unable to operate a wheelchair by himself. This is the first time that I have done this well-organized friendly fun event with race directors Jerry and Amy Frostick who for 17 years have been known as J&A Racing and currently produce for major races, including the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach.

Exposition