Our intrepid band of kart racers made it back to Bondurant for a “lapping session.” This class provided more seat time than the introductory course, and allowed some passing. The two hour session went quickly. I imagine we’ll be back for more…
Images from the lapping session
When I mentioned to friends, especially to those who grew up in or around North Dakota, that I was traveling to Fargo to run a marathon, the overwhelming response was “why?” Those who hadn’t been to Fargo before would invariably mention a line or two from the Coen Brothers’ movie. Despite the snickers, the Scheel’s Fargo Marathon has already gathered a great deal of positive word-of-mouth, in only its second year of existence.
Approximately 6,000 cheerful entrants in 4 events (marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and 5K) eagerly anticipated the start in front of the Fargo Dome on Saturday morning, May 20. Skies were overcast, and we were doused by a brief shower, about 10 minutes before the 8:00 AM starting time. I was more concerned about the wind, which blew from north to south at 20-25 mph. We would have the wind at our backs for the first 10 miles, but we would be running into it coming back, if it persisted through the morning.
Sure enough, the wind kept blowing throughout what was otherwise a great day for a marathon. It seemed like entire neighborhoods turned out to volunteer or cheer on competitors. This year’s course, which meandered on bike paths along the Red River, and through charming commercial and tree-lined residential areas of Fargo and Moorehead, is generally flat and capable of producing fast times. My unscientific post-race poll seemed to indicate that quite a few participants achieved Boston qualifying times.
Sun Angel Stadium was packed for the final day of the 2006 5A State Track & Field Championships. The enthusiastic collection of family, friends, and track fans was treated to a slew of excellent performances by competitors in the Division I and II sections.
Arizona 5A Div 1 & 2 Track & Field Championships gallery
Congratulations to the ASU women’s Track and Field team for capturing their first PAC-10 title in the program’s history.
Brooke Bennett, shown below competing in the steeplechase at the 2006 ASU Invitational, became the fifth Sun Devil to win the PAC-10 women’s steeplechase title, ahead of last year’s winner, Anna Masinelli. In the six-year history of the PAC-10 women’s steeplechase, ASU has claimed all of the conference titles.
On the men’s side, Aaron Aguayo picked up his third individual PAC-10 steeplechase crown, in a school record 8:35.04. Right behind Aguayo was teammate Ryan Warrenburg, who ran 8:39.01, the second fastest time in ASU history.
PAC-10 Day 1 gallery on Trackandfieldphoto.com
PAC-10 Day 2 gallery on Trackandfieldphoto.com
