Cooling Off

Yesterday marked the 15th Mercedes Marathon. It's a great event weekend for Birmingham. The marathon and half marathon course takes the runners right past my church, Independent Presbyterian Church most years. This year we are an official race water station, and I like to go down for photos. Some runners like to drink the Powerade or water offerings, but some like a mini shower to cool off. I've known years when it was bitter cold, but today was springlike weather. There were many taking advantage.

Remembering

I had another post chosen for today, but I went back over my photos from Birmingham's Mercedes Marathon and found this.  I think it fitting for today as we mourn those lost and injured in Boston, not just the runners, but all those that planned it and made it happen, the volunteers , and those that cheered them on.

Mercedes Marathon Part II

The Mercedes Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier so you get a lot of serious runners like these guys. 

(Temps around 30F)

While others take a more light hearted approach!

The Faces of the Mercedes Marathon

This year I was very lucky, the 11th Mercedes Marathon ran right by my apartment. Despite the frigid temps, my Lindley, Eva and I were out on the street cheering the runners/walkers on ( for short periods of time.)

This is an event that Birmingham supports wholeheartedly because it benefits some fine charities.  It's well run and well attended.  What always impresses me is that it's a mix of very dedicated runners but so many , many dedicated walkers and joggers of all shapes and sizes and abilities. I have many photos to share. Today some faces that I thought represented the event.

Please click HERE and read the wonderful story of its origin.

Road Runners

This energetic bunch of young runners from nearby The Altamont School, were just ahead of me last week.  Believe it or not, after a little cold spell over the weekend, they are probably dressed almost like this if they were doing their run today.  We are enjoying some fabulous autumn weather.  I think I'll hit the Robert Jemison Trail for my walk right now. See ya! ( I'll keep my shirt on!)