The inaugural Modesto Marathon a success

On the morning of March 21st, nearly 25,000 athletes participated in the Los Angeles Marathon (LAM). Take a small pinch from that 25k and break them up into marathoners, half marathoners, and 5k runners and you will have the participant count for the inaugural Modesto Marathon (held on the same day as LAM). Even though the Modesto Marathon was much smaller in scale in comparison, it certainly had the attitude of a large scaled race event.

After the singing of our National Anthem and a trumpet rendition of "Chariots Fire", Jose Hernandez (Astronaut and Keynote Speaker of the event) sent the marathoners and half marathoners on their way (just a few minutes after 7 A.M.). Both the marathon and the half marathon courses were out-and-back taking the huffing and puffing foot stompers primarily through farm and tree-lined streets. Amusing signs were presented throughout the course offering profound and sometimes comical statements. There was one miniscule climb on the course with an elevation of a little over 100 feet. At the top of this climb, there was a sign that appropriately read "Mt. Modesto". It  provided the runners with a good laugh.

Highly energized volunteer and crowd support were placed evenly throughout the course . The echoes of their positive words and encouragement gave a form of energy to the runners that a shot of  Gu Brew just cannot provide. Speaking of energy drinks, course support was adequate and were located at the proper mileage points.

The finish was near the Doubletree Hotel/Modesto Convention Center. At the finish line, both marathoners and half marathoners were given a finishers medal. Runners were then led to an area where hydration and food were provided.

There was no "Sweats Check" offered but was not an issue. All parking areas  were located near the start and finish lines that runners could just deposit their pre-race items in their car and jog (as a warm-up) to the starting area.

Timing chips were not used in this event. Again, this was not a problem. Prior to the start of the race, the upbeat emcee constantly reiterated that the faster runners as well as runners trying to qualify for Boston (BQ) move up to the front.

The Inaugural Modesto Marathon was a well organized and enjoyable event. The course is flat and fast and perfect for marathoners who would like to go for a BQ. Kudos to the race directors Heidi Ryan and Karen Lozano as well as all the volunteers that helped in making this event successful.