Here we go! We parked at the high school this year. No bus for us! It worked out great except for a couple of miles extra walking. This nice young man showed us where to park! He was very nice and very polite! First selfie of the day.
A selfie with a race photographer!
These people are finishing the race as we are walking to the start line!
It is fun to see the different waves get started.
NO WHITE FLAGS!
Everyone lines up in their section behind a rope. The people holding the rope slowly walk to the start line when it is time to take off. The good thing about that is you don't have to stand and wait forever. You just get in when it is time to go. Some do stand and wait but Keri and I were off to the side and we got in the mass of people when they started walking forward.
Pretty sure these girls aren't slow!
Huge speakers playing music at the start!
W..our start
I don't know how they do it. Last year I took a picture when the gun went off and it was exactly the time we were scheduled to start. One second early this time!
Here we go with some fun. Trampoline. Yes, people line up to do it during the race.
Beautiful!
Yoga anyone?
The big band!
Check out the homemade slip and slide in the background. This girl was just a bit muddy.
Just relaxing and watching the fun!
Keri got the compliment of the day. I nice man came up to her and told her she made awesome look easy! AHHHH!
Flashback to the 60/70's
Yes, belly dancers.
The crowd or at least part of it!
This was a virtual rest stop. A painting of a chair. Keri said great way to promote your paintings.
Elvis is not dead! If he is this is creepy.
Memorial Day reminders were everywhere.
Now some watermelon!
Keri look closely, I got some of the bubbles.
Walking strong!
Keri even got in some football action!
Now this is a nice set up!!!
This is the real slip and slide. No mud. There was a long line to give it a try.
This was the Unicorner!
Coming to the highest point of the race. Most of it is uphill.
Look closely and you will see a marionette puppet.
We missed the cupcakes this year but could see remnants of them.
Strong, understatement!
This truly was a celebration to honor the men and women who have died for our country.
This guy looked orange to me. Orange and leathery! He was cheering us on as we headed to the stadium.
There it is! The highlight!
Grandma, Mom and Daughter! Hope I am still moving like that at 80! Hat backwards and all.
This man had a smile on his face, cane in his hand and was shuffling along!
As we started into the stadium the Star Spangled Banner was being played by this band. Goose bumps!
Entering the stadium. Click to view the video.
I saw this man last year and after the race was over there he was again!
Can you imagine doing your final lap with this crowd cheering?
The runners that get paid go last so you get to watch them on the jumbo screen and as they finish.
This is a bit out of order. This man in the blue hat was the last one to finish. They clear the course for the elite runners. His picture was on the big screen and the whole stadium stood and cheered him in. What an experience for him and for us. It brought tears to our eyes. This is what it is all about. Getting it finished and celebrating each others victories!
Another stadium view!
Some of the winners coming in!
No the parachuters. We think this was the view from the plane!
Every branch of the military was represented with their flag. One by one the parachutes landed. It was so beautiful and moving.
Here comes the stars and stripes!
These young people joined the military right on the spot. So very good!
Two men were honored for their service in Iwo Jima. Both fought there but never met each other. We saw lots of pictures and heard their stories from them and now.
The planes for their fly over!
A quick message from one of the pilots!
Now the walk back to the car. The altitude wasn't an issue at all as far as breathing. I think they biggest issue was staying hydrated. I guess altitude can mess with that! On the way back to the car I was feeling that. Water, water and more water. The campus is beautiful so it was a nice walk. Another fun race with Keri Doolittle. We have both already signed up for next year. It is so much fun and the day is not forgotten. Memorial Day is celebrated in a big way. Keri and I both had some tears from the emotions of the day. Thanks for a great time Keri! Glad I have started this tradition! It is a good one. Who is coming next year?
