only Half crazy: Race Recap: Fargo Half Marathon ~ Fargo, North Dakota

State # 8! Fargo, North Dakota. Happy 10th anniversary to the Scheel's Fargo Marathon! 10 Years Rockin'.

You know what happens when a marathon celebrates a BIG milestone...Yep, a cool medal, awesome swag and an unforgettable good time! :) My quick getaway started off with a 6 am flight out of Omaha and a connection through Denver. With a super easy landing in FARGO! I grabbed some lunch at the airport while waiting for Jodi to land from Orlando. Then we were off to the Expo!

Fargo is super easy to get around. We were downtown within 5 minutes and found street parking close to the Fargo Civic Center. We picked up our bibs outside in the tents and headed inside to retrieve our shirts and bags. Being one of the first 25,000 registrants of the marathon, we received an Under Armour Fargo Marathon Bag! Swag # 1, check! Already, this race isn't disappointing.

The Expo was pretty good. Merchandise to purchase, free giveaways/contests and the usual busyness of an event. After we filled up our bag with the essentials, we decided to head back to the hotel to check in.

We met some 50 staters (new and old) for dinner at Santa Lucia. Can't go wrong with a little pre-race carb load! One of our 50 staters is completing her 50th state, 50th Half Marathon!
Way to go, Susan!!!!!

Saturday morning sure came early. I was so worried about traffic that I made Karen and Jodi get up at 5 am! I can still hear them cursing under their breath :) We got to one of the designated parking facilities with PLENTY of time. Can you hear it...that's Karen :) Any who...we were close to the YMCA which meant CLEAN bathrooms. So we decided to get in line to use them. Unfortunately, they ran out of toilet paper so we ended up using the port-a-potties instead. The line was actually shorter for these. We made our way up to the starting line at Veteran's Memorial Bridge shortly after that.

After a short prayer and the singing of the National Anthem, they released all the runners and bikers. I wish they would have let those with wheels go first.

The course was nice. Lots of turns to keep the mind busy. I didn't like the two long straightaways...but I never like straightaways. A few minor hills (just to get under roads above) but all in all, a flat course. The spectators were amazing and full of life. The aid stations were plentiful and needed at just the right time. Thanks for adding a few last aid stations. It's about the time people begin to pucker out and getting that last glass of water is sure nice.

The course was rearranged being the 10th anniversary so it brought us back to the Fargo Theatre. It was a great ending point. Lucky me, I was able to see the marathon winner finish his race. It's nice to cheer them on!

Not a bad time; 2:26:06. I got a little tired at the 12 mile mark. At the 11 mile mark I was just at 2 hours and I really thought I could PR. We had to run back over the starting line bridge and that is where I lost steam. It was a fun run and if I were EVER to make my way to Fargo again, I'd sign up. But I don't see myself ever traveling in that direction again :)

I really wanted a final picture near the Fargo sign but I just love Sonya's sooo much! Here SHE is!

And the best part, Mark Knutson, the race director went out and ran a marathon on his OWN after working ALL day! He ran to raise money for Shoes for Kids. Area businesses were donating a $1000/mile that he completed with a grad total of $26,000! His wife captured his journey for us to follow on Facebook. She was even the aid stations :)