Sunday, January 14, 2001 -- DC, MD
Last Plain to Boston Marathon
Story and photos by Beth Herr
[Details]
[Coverage]
[Overall Results]
[Pic Set 1]
[Pic Set 2]
[Pic Set 3]
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An early, beautiful start
According to co-director John Warden, good weather, lots of food, and
great volunteers are all key elements to a sucessful marathon. And
that they had at the 2001 Last Plain to Boston marathon.
Luckily for the 80+ participants, the head winds typical of Hains
Point were only a mild breeze on this chilly Sunday morning.
This race began in 1998 and is a qualifier for the Boston marathon.
The USATF-certified marathon course is flat and consists of a little
more than 8 loops around Hains Point in D.C. Unlike other marathons,
the Marine Corps which is run about 70% in D.C., this event is the
only marathon that remains in D.C. throughout its entirety. That
makes it appealing to members of the 50 states plus D.C. club, who run
a marathon in every state.
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Those who run together....
With the Washington monument illumniated behind them, racers lined up
partway around the course at 7am. Several loyal supporters dotted the
sides as the pack dissasppeared into the darkness of the dim morning
light. Though a few ran individually, most participants kept company
with one or several other runners. Over the next 3+ hours, some would
linger, others would excell and still more would push their bodies to
the limit.
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And the crowd roars!
As for variety to the course, John Warden would swear that with a 2'
elevation drop, next to a track, this is the flattest course in the
world. He explained, 'The race which was run as a 45K for several
years until 1999 the race director, Ted Cochrane, was asked as a favor
to shorten it and run it as a marathon." Thus was born a very well
received opportunity for die-hard runners to continue their journey.
May every road, no matter how flat, lead you to a new adventure.