I love this race so much that I couldn't stay away even though I'm on the disabled list. So I volunteered. Most of the volunteers were high-schoolers. I parked at the city hall located very close to Hawthorne Blvd and Palos Verdes Dr. I then boarded the shuttle for the starting area. On the shuttle I ran into the track/cross-country coach from the university that I work at... talk about coincidence. He had brought one of his runners to attempt an A standard qualifying time for the marathon at the NAIA nationals. He needed to run a 1:14:xx.
When we got dropped off, I wished them well. I headed over to the volunteer tent and picked up my t-shirt. I wasn't given much direction since I was an unattached volunteer. So I wandered over to the registration tables. I was then pulled by the Prime Time folks to help with late registration. Fun stuff.
I saw my fellow marathon maniac friends, including some I haven't seen in awhile. I left the registration tables to see the start of the race. This year, the half marathoners and marathons started together. Also they had timing chips this year which allowed them to combine the start of the 2 races. After shooting some pictures and a video of the start, I went back to the table to help with the 5k registration. I guess I was meant to volunteer since a lady was short $2 and I covered it for her. Good investment. We were still registering people as the 5k race was underway. After the last person, I got up and walked down to the little expo. I talked to the ladies at the Team in Training booth. I calculated the time and I went up to the course to see the first runner from the half marathon/marathon come through.
On your mark... get set... go!
After cheering on the runners for about 3 hrs, I walked over to the shuttle line. The line was very long and everyone was grumbling about it. I have a feeling that logistics is going to force them to change the course again. I took the shuttle back to City Hall. After a morning of volunteering, I worked up a pretty good appetite. I headed over to the Mitsuwa in Torrance for a late lunch. I ate some delicious chicken katsu.
1 comment:
It was fantastic seeing you out there on the course! You were one of two familiar faces!! Thank you!
I hated the new course! I want the old course back and the parking shuttle situation-wow, 45 minutes I stood in line!!!
What is your next race? I'm heading to Fresno this weekend then I may attempt to exorcize the demons from Laguna beach half...... then O2O Half in ventura...I want my 4 moons (jupiter) for Half fanatics..
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