Seaport River Run 10k

I'm slowly learning that there's a nice little running community 30 miles south of me.  I had fun at the St. Paddy's day 5k last month, so I decided to join them again Saturday morning for the 33rd annual Seaport River Run. 

This event was a pleasant surprise.  There was a great turnout, free beer at the end, and a jet boat shuttle from the finish line back to the start - all for $9.  And free 20mph headwinds.

Gathering at start

Crossing the Snake River from WA into ID

The route started in Clarkston, WA and then crossed over the famous Snake River into Lewiston, ID: my first trans-state race.  Many runners peeled off early on to follow the 2.9 mile option, and I found myself with only a handful of guys in front of me by mile 2.  Then we turned upriver into the wind.  But I kept pushing hard and passed 4 or 5 guys over the next two miles.  Sometimes it feels good to have a tailwind.  Sometimes it feels good to run straight into 20+mph gusts and trash talk the elements: "Is that all you got? Do your worst!"

The last mile consisted of weaving through a sidewalk full of all the 2.9 mile walkers/strollers.  I was huffing and puffing and almost lost my breakfast on a $500 happybabyshower stroller.  :)

Jazz band just past the finish line

Running and beer: two of my favorite things.

(10 a.m. isn't too early, is it?)

Here's the free shuttle back to the start

Jet boat on the Snake River

When all was said and done I had plowed my way through the wind in 39:34 (new 10k PR) and a 4th place finish (1,109 runners for both races).  Here's an article from the local paper. 

Front page of Sports section

(can you find me?)

After the race, Sadie and I took to the hills above the Snake for a few more miles, and today we pounded Moscow Mt. for a few hours.  It's good to run.  Next week: Bloomsday.

Keep running!

-Scott