Marathon Report

65,000 runners all with different start times and Michael and Matt ran into each other

and got to hang out while waiting to be "corralled."

Michael started at 9:30 and Matt at 10:30.

Dan and Bob surprised Michael at the 5 mile and 14 mile marks!

Bob headed uptown to try to meet us at the 18 mile mark, and Dan went back to

cheer for Matt at 5 miles. He missed him by two blocks, but caught him at mile 14!

Michael is in the gray hat and all black!

Surprised at 15 miles!

Meanwhile, Courtney, Rhonda and I walked across the park and caught the

first woman and man at the 24 mile mark! 

Becca and Bekah met us at 102nd and 1st Ave where the crowds thinned a bit, 

but not too much. We were there by 11:30 and in plenty of time to see Michael when he came by.

Holding very steady at 9:30 splits and in great spirits!

We were each holding gatorade, coconut water, cookies, Gu, etc. but 

he kept running and didn't need anything. Keep it up!

We walked back to 5th Avenue and 102nd -- the 23 mile mark -- 

so we could cheer Michael on again.

We saw Courtney's lab partners right across the street!

In the middle of the race Matt gave Bekah a call to let her know he was doing great!

Courtney and Rhonda headed across the park to the finish line.

Bekah and I went back to 102 and 1st to see Matt.

Big smiles, a kiss for his wife and a gulp of Red Bull and he was on his way again.

Matt was feeling great and looking good.

Dan caught up to us as we were running to 5th to catch Matt at mile 23.

Meanwhile Michael finished!

Here comes Matt!

So much positive energy, happy vibes, and love for all the runners and cheerers.

I want to remember the whole group of children all cheering on their teacher,

"Mr. Brand." It was so cute. Also the guy next to Bek and me who for over an hour 

yelled out every name as people ran by if it was visibly written on their shirt.

Note for future: Have food hot and ready for runners when they finish.

Bekah found a halal truck with no line and had a gyro and fries waiting for Matt.

Courtney ordered food from Provisions to pick up on the way home for Michael.

We walked back to our place with Bekah and Matt. 

In the evening, Dan cooked steaks, veggies, potatoes, corn on the cob & salad

for all of us -- The Petersens, Petersens, Nugents and Shaeffers.

We feasted, we reminisced about the day and then the adrenaline from our exhausted runners

ran out and everyone went back home tired and happy. 

I loved Matt's post summing up part of what made the day so great: