35th Metric Marathon - Columbia MD

35th birthday for the Metric Marathon this morning. The great weather help out the 383 runners on the challenging 26,2 Km course.
It was my debut on this odd distance (... odd for me ... used to consider the marathon 42,195Km ... not 26,2 miles...) and I must admit that I did not choose an easy race ... nevertheless I truly enjoyed this very challenging course.

The Howard County Striders put on the Metric Marathon to commemorate the linkage between the old city of Ellicott City and the new city of Columbia, and the course threads both. A lot of hills (especially from mile 5 to 10) through wooded trails, residential areas & roads.

Overall a very well organized race, nice area set-up for both pre- and post-race activities (the latter on a terrace by the lake), a lot of food (including pizza, bagels and coffee) and a nice pair of gray painters gloves with the Metric Marathon logo for all finishers. 

I really would like to highlight the outstanding support we received from the volunteers and from the Howard County Police. 

Click here for the overall results.

This race was the final chapter of the 2011 racePacket Grand Prix Series.