Pigtail’s Flat Ass Marathon In the past two years the Pigtails Flat Ass Marathon started in Renton, Washington, under the I-405 bridge and followed the Cedar River Trail upstream alongside the river and Highway 169. This was an out-and-back course that had the thirteen-mile turnaround at the best part of the course where it was forested in a semi-rural setting and the river had white water as it cascaded over boulders. It was peaceful and well away from vehicular traffic and bikers on the paved trail. To avoid City of Renton’s new requirements and expenses for road closures and police assistance at two small roads, race director Van Phan relocated the marathon and 50K outside of Renton completely. The course included the same trail in King County jurisdiction and had a different start/finish area thirteen miles southeast of Renton in Landsburg Park in Ravensdale. It followed the pea-graveled trail through a wooded forest setting with four bridge crossings over the scenic Cedar River. After the initial three miles, the new course merged with the original course, and before long it passed under the Highway 18 overpass and went alongside Highway 169 on a paved surface. It continued toward Renton in a northerly direction, often by the river. There was a signal light at one intersection, otherwise underpasses or pedestrian tunnels avoided traffic at intersections. Eventually, it reached the well-marked turn-around by Ron Regis Park. It then reversed direction and headed to the start/finish area on this out-and-back course. December 19, 2009, was a good day for running. The air was calm with light rain and temperatures in the 40’s. In the start/finish area I visited with many friends, and at the six mile aid station I talked briefly with Michelle Barnes. She was part of a five-runner group that I followed for miles. Eventually, the entire field passed me as I was going out and they were returning. In the second half I could walk faster than I could run, so I walked the last 12 miles at a 17 minute pace. I enjoyed stopping at an aid station at 22 miles and visiting with the friendly volunteers. It was there that I had a cup of hot chicken noodle soup, ate some snack food and filled my water bottle. Then I walked along refreshed! Eventually, the delightful scenery ended, but I could see the finish line ahead of me. I completed the marathon with a time of 6:33:37, last in a marathon field of 66…..and the oldest person (by 13 years) in the race. To top off the run/walk, hot soup and a variety of food were available in the finish area tent. It was my 20th marathon of 2009, so I’m still on schedule with 458 marathons done and 42 to go by 2012 at the Yakima River Canyon Marathon for my 500th celebration. Thanks to Van and her volunteers for putting on a great marathon/50K. Thanks, also to King County administrators for acquiring the railroad right-of-way of the Seattle Coal & Transportation Company and refurbishing it to become a high quality running, walking and biking trail. 3:20:20 Scott Sebelsky, 48 4:47:57 David Appelby, 37
|