As the starting time grew closer and closer to the start, the anticipation of everyone was growing. As everyone was making their way to the starting line, they took a moment to play the national anthem. Approximately halfway through the anthem, it started to speed up. Apparently they knew everyone were eager to start. :-)
The course did an outstanding job of showcasing many points of interest throughout Raleigh. We started out on Centennial Campus of NC State University. We then headed towards downtown. Once in downtown we saw the newly finished RBC Tower that now is the tallest building in the city. We then headed down Fayetteville Street past the Capital Building and worked our way to Glenwood South. Once leaving the downtown area, we headed out to the State Fairgrounds to a turn-a-round point at the 8 1/2 mile mark. After the turn, we headed back to Centennial Campus for the finish.
Now, the course had it share of tough hills, but the toughest point was at the 12 1/4 mile mark going uphill on Western Blvd. Everyone was struggling with this hill.
Just past the 12-mile mark I heard a police car behind me letting me know a full marathon runner was coming through. I was hoping to finish before a full marathon runner passed me, but oh well. Those guys are amazing at the pace they were running. Outstanding job!
Once passed the tough stretch on Western Blvd, it was downhill to the finish. Time to kick it up a notch and finish strong. The crowd support along the finish was great. So many people lined the street cheering every runner on.
I crossed the line with a chip time of 2:25:45. I was extremely pleased with this time as just finishing is an accomplishment in itself.
Thank you City of Oaks for a great event! Now time to train for the Disney World Half Marathon in January!
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