Friday, November 11, 2011

Greg Goebel’s 11-11-11 Marathon

11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
          A friend of mine who owns Marathon Medals recently put me in contact with the gentleman in the image to the left who was in need of Photos. Mr. Greg Goebel was directing a marathon with the help of his Sarasota Road Runners Club.
          I had no idea what I was in for but it turned out to be a great adventure. I met so many good citizens at the 11-11-11 Marathon and was privileged to be a part of their fellowship for the day!
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
Thursday evening was spent picking up packets with bibs and tracking chip while enjoying a delicious meal at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
The Friday of the run was blessed with spectacular weather and everyone was very enthusiastic. Each runner had almost 58 laps ahead of them to complete their 26.2 miles. A full moon hung over Whitaker Gateway Park that morning as we arrived at 5:45am
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
The video below has the highlights including of all things a wedding!
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
There were plenty of colorful characters running. Many of them were members of the Marathon Maniacs and the 50 states marathon club. One stand out was John Pyle who is doing The Patriot Run Across America.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
Yep lots of character! The female champion was Lisa Barry Walbridge, 40, of Haslingfield, England, who finished in a time of 3:30:30, shortly before 11:11:11 am, then immediately married the third place finisher, Jared Walbridge in a ceremony on the course.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
I am pretty sure they chose to wed at the run so they could have Dave Mari in their wedding photos. I sure did have a great time and everyone was very kind. Thank you all you have a wonderful fellowship!
11-11-11 Marathon Sarasota Florida.
 
Here is Joe Taricani  coverage of the event!