A Socially Distanced Half Marathon Experience
I was supposed to be out of town this summer to attend a chemistry education conference and had hoped to run a race in Oregon while I was gone. So I didn't initially sign up for Hightail. Then my conference got canceled and Hightail went virtual so I decided to sit out for the year. On June 24th, Hightail announced they would have a small in person race of up to 200 runners and would also hold a virtual option at the same time. Hightail is my favorite all women's race. It is so supportive all runners and while it is a little on the pricey side there is lots of great swag and discounts. See my July 2019 and July 2017 posts to read about how the race usually goes. (This race was previously called HerTern). Anyway, so despite minimal training I went for it. That crazy goal of running 50 half by the end of my 50th year makes getting a race in this year essential.
PacketPickup: As always packet pick up is outside on the small lawn next to Skinny Raven. In the past these is usually a large tent with lots of gear, music, and a very festive atmosphere. This year because packet pick up was spread over a couple of days it was very low key. There were signs helping people socially distance and mask wearing was required (Anchorage requires masks in public spaces at this time). Lines were minimal so it was quick and easy. I had the opportunity to speak with the Raven Events director about a couple of upcoming race plans and the opportunities that had to be overcome to put on this event. The canvas swag bag was preloaded with your finisher's bracelet (no medal in this race), coupons, macaroons, a wine glass, Nuun, and Huma energy gels. I went inside and purchased new trail shoes and a bonus Hightail t-shirt (you get a $20 Brooks merchandise coupon in your swag bag).
Upon arrival it was easy to tell that the race was going to be different. There was no line for the port-o-potty. Space in front of the port-o-potty was marked again to help you socially distance. Everyone was staying spread out and had their mask with them. The announcer was peppy and light and the music was upbeat and typical of a race start. The announcer called each wave over to the starting coral (about 20 runners at a time). In order to enter the starting coral your temperature was taken using a touch-less thermometer (97.1 - normal temp for me) and then you were allowed to enter the coral. At the starting coral there were blue flags in the ground showing runners where to stand and masks were removed by this point. A lot of runners were joking about how we wish all starts were this way and not so crowded as they can be. I flash backed to a Rock N Roll race I ran in DC where I was in the next to the last coral, it was 32 and raining, and we started over an hour after the official start. This made me very grateful to be spread out and to have great weather (low 60s with drizzle). This starting process recycled every three minutes until all the runners were on the course.
This year the course started at Westchester Lagoon and then turned on to the coastal trail. This is relatively flat but has that slow gentle uphill. By the time we reached the first bridge I was running by myself, which isn't too abnormal for my back of the pack style. Occasionally, runners from later starts would catch me and pass me. The coastal trail is a paved trail that follows the Cook Inlet and is a mix of inlet views and woods. I did not see any bear scat on the trail and there were definitely significantly less tourists traveling the trail. I reached the 10K turn around still feeling pretty good and definitely socially isolated. I think I surprised the person working the turn around point by continuing on to the half marathon turn around point. The coastal park goes by the end of the Ted Stevens International Airport runway and there was definitely a lot of air traffic. It didn't look like many of the runners used the aid stations and while I took water I wished I had carried some Nuun with me as I started to feel light headed about mile 8. At this point I slowed down a bit...ok a lot. I pretty much walked most of the last five miles. Sorry no pictures of the course. You will just have to come to Alaska and run this one yourself! As I rounded the corner by the lagoon I could hear the announcer cheering the runners in. She did a great job encouraging that last bit....and I got serenaded with Jolene, Jolene, the Hightail Queen (yes, I am named after the Dolly Parton song). There were only about four runners who finished after me. My time was about 23 minutes slower than last year but I did it. Usually this race ends in a rose garden with mimosas, girly food, and lots of camaraderie. The camaraderie still existed as there were groups of runners who had set up their own unofficial Hightail party. The race organizers provided a coupon for juice and champagne from a local store and also some fun canned Italian sodas at the finish. Half marathon number 33 in the books...17 more to go and only 5 years to do it!
All in all I think they did a great job under the circumstances. The runners were supportive and kind to each other. I will be better trained and hopefully in town to do it again next year.