Friday Flash 55 At The G-Man's
This past Saturday I was sequestered at home because it was the morning of the annual Gate River Run, "The Largest 15K In America" and "The American 15K Championship." It turns out the thing runs right past my dead end street so there was no escape. So, being blocked in and not having any Bloody Mary mix, I decided to stroll down the block with my camera and enjoy the festivities.
I pretty quickly discerned that the event's participants could be divided into five divisions.
1. Elite Athletes
 |
| Way out front and the overall winner of the race. |
 |
| The men in hot pursuit. I learned later that they start the race in stages with the women going first, followed by the men. The idea is for them both to reach the finish line at the same time. Didn't happen this year and first place overall went to the women. Didn't see the Ethiopians this year. They've taken home the trophy so many times it's become to be expected. |
2. The Semi-Pros.
 |
| These are marathon regulars in the event as a warm up to the marathon season. This is about two-thirds towards the finish and they were running strong. |
 |
| I tried to do a whole series of fanny's but the sun wouldn't cooperate. |
3. The Party Animals
 |
| Don't ask me, I'm just the photographer. |
 |
| Tarzan was having a good time, but still a long way to go. |
 |
| Who knows. |
 |
| Now this girl has the right idea. |
4. The Rest Of The Field
 |
| This far back in the field, they're beginning to struggle. |
 | |
5. "What The Hell Was I Thinking?"
hey. more power to them...i might appreciate the sights....fork dude is interesting...ha....hey if its for a good cause....whatever it takes...
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. The great majority of folks in the race were having a good time.
ReplyDeleteThey was thinking it was Spring.
ReplyDeleteAt least where YOU live it is.
Loved your Marathon 55
Thanks for playing, thanks for your great support,
Have a Kick Ass Week-End
Back at 'cha G-Man
DeleteHey, you missed one more group - the photographers and gawkers! :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha. We laugh as we watch. I like 5K's … not such a commitment. Thanks of the fun!
ReplyDeleteI found myself laughing with the runners. Most of them were having a good time.
DeleteLove your pictures and the categories you thought of for the runners. I'd definitely be in the What the Hell group.
ReplyDeleteGreat snapshot of the sole runner in the 2nd group - the speed limit sign certainly adds a humorous dimension.
Thanks Betina. I was really trying to do a whole series of fanny shots but the sun was wrong and no way to correct it. But I liked the back lighted runner as well.
Deletethe thrill of victory and the agony of da feet.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh too clever :)
Deleterunning a marathon is just about the most ridiculous thing I can think of to do. I know lots of people do it but for the life of me I cannot come up with a good reason for it.
ReplyDeleteThat was my position for most of my life, now I have legitimate reasons for not running... knee, hips, feet...
DeleteHa.. some great pics. Still it can be fun.. hmm.. at least afterwards
ReplyDeleteI think it would be fun to walk it. 15k is about 9 miles... still a pretty good walk.
DeleteGreat pictures! I especially like some of the facial expressions you captured.
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, I liked to run. Short distances, though, none of that marathon stuff. Nowadays, if anybody ever sees me running, they'd better run, too, because something bad must be chasing me.
It's like they say, you don't have to out run the bear, only your partner!
DeleteFund Runs of whatever lengths are a daft idea for anyone but a trained athlete.
ReplyDeleteGoing for a run, fine, but organised? In a great sweaty body of humanity?
Oh, the pain, the pain.
My feelings exactly
Delete