at last the long wait is over.
two years of qualifying
two years of preparation.
and the greatest field in the brief history of backyard running is on the trail…
.
these are the best of the best.
75 runners
every one a champion.
.
some are running really fast
burning off the pent up energy
of waiting
of watching the field assemble.
of setting up camp and gathering supplies.
and waiting some more.
some are already on their race pace.
conserving energy for the long struggle to come.
.
soon everyone will find their pace and settle in.
the only goal on the first day…
.
nothing bad happens.
.
there is a long journey ahead.
and there is no finish line.