Randy Riley(HF16432, DA3218, MM14470) – Athens Ohio Marathon & Half Marathon
When I was 16 I came to Ohio University in Athens Oh to participate in Boys State now just a short 60 years later I returned to run the half marathon. It starts downtown with University buildings all around. The first mile is a serious downhill and then turns onto a nicely paved bike trail. The trail is a fast course with gentle rolling grades, nothing near a hill. Then a fun finish with half a lap on the track at Pruitt Field. They did 10 year age groups for the awards which is unheard of for a race that size. I was 596 of 727 which is okay since I was the oldest person in the half and not last in my age group. I finished only 14 seconds slower than last week which I consider a minor miracle since I caught a cold and was down for several days this week and had not run a step since last week’s half.
Extra fun: my nephew Tim Martin who is married to Heather Lynn was the graphic designer for the race. He designed the medals and the race shirt. Also nice that he rents a spot in the parking deck near the start that I used. Great medal, great shirt Tim! He owns a business near the start called “Ohio is Home.” Great start, finish. Nice course. Past the turn around the mileage markers appeared to me to be seriously off. I thought my watch might have lost gps but it was a perfect 13.1 at the finish. Also they had the half and full on the same signs instead of .1 separation. Lifetime half 262. HF16432 MM14470 DA3218.
Photo and post credit Randy Riley
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