Woke to overcast skies & an hour commute to Ohio – my 39^th marathon, Adams County ‘Run with the Amish’.

Today’s course would be my first 2-loop race.  Had avoided these in the past, assuming I’d struggle mentally with a 2^nd lap after completing 13 miles – would mean I’d see “Hell Hill” twice today.  Noticed several Amish teenagers in the crowd.  Boys ran in long pants & suspenders, girls in long skirts – none wore running shoes, all 5K competitors.  Amish teens, Stutzman & Yoder, finished 3^rd & 4^th.

Musket start – 4 miles of rolling hills to Unity township, right at the cemetery, steep downhill into the Amish community.

Paced up mile 6 by the lumber yard (first hill), sprinted down – generally I hold back.  Go me 🙂  Amish call the hill past Rabers “Hell Hill” – no more than a mile, but at least 30% grade.  Positive?  Trek canopied by large, leafy deciduous trees – shady & scenic.

No more than 300 runners ran the full 26.2.

Found I enjoyed miles 13 thru 17 the most.  Folks finishing the Half cheered us taking a 2^nd lap; I shouted encouragement to fellow runners mucking in the cold steady rain.  Camaraderie between strangers – favourite part of today’s run.  Awesome experience.

Turning the cemetery again, was caught by a runner at mile 18.  Moved past chugging up the first Amish hill, briefly lapped again on the straight before Hell Hill.  Dug in and pushed UP.  Kept a tenth-mile lead out of Unity, pacing strong knowing the last 4 miles would be tough to hold any lead – hills are my equalizer, I’d get caught on the flats.

Runner made his move.  Pretty impressive kick after running 25 miles, inspired to mimic one day.

Official results: won my age group & finished 16^th overall.  Small race but WOW!

Place  Name           Gun Time     Pace

1          K R Haga   4:27:19.2    10:13

9 more fulls this year, taking it one at a time – next Saturday: Bristol, New Hampshire.