Seneca Creek Greenway Trail 50k 2008

The 2008 Seneca Greenway Trail Marathon and 50K on March 1st started at Damascus Regional Park and ended at Riley's Lock on the Potomac River. This was my first Greenway Trail Marathon Race and also my first Marathon. Not knowing what to expect from this Trail Race and my first Marathon, I trained for the past three months running on the Greenway Trail. Trying to familiarize myself with the trail layout. Thinking this would help me mentally, especially towards the end of the race.

As advertise this race did not disappoint the purists. There was no free t-shirt, shorts, gift bag full of useless trinkets, balloon filled starting line, just a race coordinator giving a brief introduction and announcing, "Okay, get going." This is how foot races were intended. Running thru tree filled wooded areas, mud, creek crossings and rabid deer.

The race started with the temps around 28 degrees. Trail conditions were pretty good with some muddy spots due to the rain the night before. For an early March race in the woods, it was almost perfect. I hit the first aid station around 9:05am and was on target with my goal pace and reached the second aid station at Route 355 around 9:45am. As the race progressed the sun broke out around 10:30am. At this point I crossed thru the Clopper Road Aid station and was informed to watch out for the deer. Apparently, one of the runners was struck by a deer. I thought my brother was kidding around but he was dead serious.

I had my brother and a couple of friends provide me support thru out the race, providing me fluid replenishment, gels, bananas and other nourishment.

Still on pace with my target goal, the race took me thru Seneca State Park and lead me out by Riffle Ford Road and eventually Black Rock Road. At this point my legs were feeling a little fatigued. Reaching the point equal to my longest run about 18 miles, I was starting to hit the wall. Reaching the final aid station at Route 28 about 11:20am, I knew the last six miles were going to be a struggle. I tried consuming some potato's, gels and rehydrated with some Gatorade. I left the aid station feeling pretty worn out. My pace slowed tremendously. As I continued thru the last portion of the race about five runners past me. At this point I wished I trained a little harder and ate a little more during the race. I managed to finish the race with a time of 4 hours and 29 minutes. About 20 minutes slower than my goal. However, I can't be to disappointed being my first marathon.

All in all it was a great day and a great race! I had a bunch of friends and family at the finish line. Some followed me thru out the race. It was a blast!

Great Race! Great Trail! Great Volunteers and Organizers! See you next year!

—Chris Christakis