Race Report: Big Bear Marathon

Tanya and I went into the inaugural Big Bear Marathon without any real time goals, we just wanted to have a fun and enjoyable run. The race was scheduled for a 6:30 am start (but ran 15 mins. late) which made for nice cool temperatures. The weather forecast was a high of 84 and without a cloud in the sky I knew the temperatures would climb fast.

With 267 runners to brave the 26.2 miles run at the average elevation of 6800 ft. the race had almost an ultra-marathon feel; plus so many of our ultra friends where there.

Mr. Bear and Tanya
Mr. Bear giving me a pound Charlie (big time marathoner and ultra-marathoner) The Village is stirring Views of Big Bear Lake glistening in the early morning

We would run about 12 miles of lake shore line

I'm not sure if it was the thin air, but at mile 5 my right quad began to burn, and then at mile ten my left quad began to burn. No matter how much I wanted to shift into 2nd gear I just couldn't, so I just took what my body gave me and enjoyed the scenery.

Views from the East end of the lake

The half-marathoners where shuttled to the 13 mile point of the marathon and started a half hour after the marathon. Here is #647 Rebbecca M. and friend Nola en route to finishing their first 1/2 marathon. The hills throughout the course where many especially the second 13 miles, but the ladies kept stepping and finished. You GO GIRLS!!

Another one down, the temperatures began to heat up for the last few miles. Tanya's finishing time was 4:23:52 and my finishing time was 4:36:52. Chalk up another win for the girls, not that I'm counting (Ha). Tanya and I agree the race was well organized even with a late start, the aid stations where every 2 miles; well supplied and full of helpful volunteers. Ahhh!