Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon

This past Sunday was the inaugural running of the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon.  Overall this was an outstanding event.  I would recommend adding this race to your 2011 race calendar.

It all started with 3 great events on Saturday.  The first event was the Coastal 5K.  My wife completed this race as I stayed on the sides cheering her on to the finish along with our two girls.  So proud of her for completing her second ever 5K.

There was even a guy who ran the 5K juggling the entire distance.  From what I understand, this guys also ran the half marathon juggling the entire distance too!  It is hard enough to run, let alone trying to juggle at the same time.

After the 5K there was a high heel run.  This was interesting as there were 15 participants.  I say participants instead of ladies because there was one guy running the race (no, it was not me).  He ended up finishing last, but he made it.  He was interviewed after the race and was asked why he entered this event.  He said it was because of a dare.  Pretty funny to see.

The final event on Saturday was a Doggie Dash.  There were many participants who ran with "man's best friend" for the 1.5 mile course. 

On to Sunday and the Mini Marathon.  The course was to take you by many landmarks at Myrtle Beach by starting at Medieval Times at Fantasy Harbor.  After crossing the Intracoastal Waterway we would make our way past Coastal Grand Mall and on to Broadway at the Beach.  After leaving Broadway we would make our way to Ocean Boulevard and finish on the brand new boardwalk on the beach.

Prior to starting the race there was an important challenge that had to be decided....what knight would get the honor of starting the race.  The only way to settle this was a duel.  There were 6 knights who battled it out with sparks flying from their swords and shields.  We eventually had a victor and it was time to pound the pavement. 

Working up the biggest hill on the course just before mile 2 on the bridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, you had to look up to make sure the Spirit Airlines jet was not landing on top of you in the final approach to the airport.  That took your attention away from the hill, which made the climb to the top easier.

As the miles progressed I was looking forward to seeing the family at Broadway around mile 8.  As I approached, I started looking for them and spotted them at the 8.5 mile mark.  It was great to see them and get that extra encouragement.  As I passed, my youngest daughter who is just shy of turning 2 wanted to run with me.  My wife had to stop her and as she did, she drops to her knees and starts crying saying, "daddy, wait".....too cute!

The final stretch in the race is just spectacular as you make your way down the new boardwalk.  Awesome view of the ocean on your right. 

As I came to the finish line there were a couple of great moments for me.  I was coming to the line by myself so on the loud speaker they called out my name as well as recognizing Team 413.   That was a first to actually hear my name being called out.

The second was giving Bart Yasso from Runner's World a high five as I crossed the finish line.  Bart was there all weekend and was supporting everyone.  That was so great to see that support.  In the photo below, you can see this.   

As you can see in the last photo, the finisher's medal is huge!  This is a surfboard with a shark bite.  The shark bite can actually be used as a bottle opener.  They added a large magnet to the back of the medal for anyone who wants to stick it on their refrigerator.

What a great event!