Tunnel Vision Marathon

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:23:41. The Tunnel Vision Marathon was my sixty-third 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: 60 degrees, 58 percent relative humidity, and calm at the start. Starting in Hyak, we descended down the John Wayne Trail for 21 miles including, beginning one-fourth of a mile into the race, two and a half miles of tunnel; unless one was travelling with a pace group, the darkness, except for the light at the end of the tunnel, was palpable. At the end of the tunnel, there was a volunteer who received our headlamps for transport to the finish line. The course was marked by forests, waterfalls, bridges over rivers and creeks, and for those who wanted to keep in touch with civilization, an occasional glimpse of Interstate 90. Just past mile 21, we turned right onto the busier Snoqualmie Valley Trail for the rest of the race that concluded off of North Bend Way. Weather at the finish was 84 degrees, 56 percent relative humidity, west northwest wind at 3 mph with gusts up to 10 mph. ORGANIZATION: Well organized--even mile markers one and two were present in the tunnel. Good course and finish line support. Chocolate milk aficionados will be happy at the conclusion of the race. SPECTATORS: The only memorable spectator for this marathon was a bear cub who blocked the course at mile 22 for about three minutes. CONCLUSION: A well organized, very scenic and easy downhill race. Well done.

Even though mile 16 and 18.5 aid station were not manned, and the supply of cups, GU and water were limited, the downhill race to North Bend, Washington was great fun. Great food was still available to even the last few runners trying to beat the 7 1/2 hour limit. Thanks all for a fine day on the trail.