San Diego, CA. — I’m no Victah Sailer (PhotoRun), but even my jaundiced eye and shaky hand couldn’t miss the energy swirling around Balboa Park yesterday at the combined 23 & 10 mile marks during the Suja Rock `n’ Roll Marathon & Half Marathon.
We arrived early then waited as the leaders and followers came galloping by with just 5 Km left in their respective journeys. It’s whole different experience than my normal view from the TV booth or lead press vehicle.
Setting up with Toya, Rick & Marla Nelson (and their nosy pooches)
CGI senior Veep Tracy Sundlun leads the charge
Kenya’s Geoffrey Bundi trying to break Ethiopia’s Solomon Deksisa at base of final hill in the Half Marathon
Deksisa hangs tough
Deksisa begins his drive to the top (finally prevailing 60:10 to 60:26)
Mammoth TC’s Gabe Proctor (eventual 9th – 61:39) presses Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut (7th – 61:38) with USA’s Shadrack Biwott about to pounce ( 6th – 611:24)
Ryan Hall shows grit in 13th place (62:51)
Ryan Hall’s gut churning effort
Ethiopia’s Birhane Dibaba takes the measure of 3X Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo of Kenya – 69″34 — 69:37
Former Villanova standout and top local coach Kevin McCarey roots friends home
All the way from Japan pal Wataru Ogushi
Toya & Marla relentlessly supportive (well, at least Marla)
Taking the Turn into Balboa Park
Friendly competition
Blue Man
Green Compression
Another old friend Robert Dennis of Newton Shoes
Weary Suja Warriors
Dribbler
The Red Brigade
Blinded by the Light
Marla’s marathon cheering for SDTC
Waiting for Dad
Another lovely day in Balboa Park comes to a long-shadowed end
