4/12/08

Davy Crockett Bear Chase Marathon

Groveton TX

This was an enjoyable event. The directors are veteran marathoners and really nice folks who did a lot to make it fun and runner-friendly. The relatively low registration fee included a pasta dinner the night before where the food was good and plentiful. On race morning runners arrived at the stadium to find individual hand-written signs wired to the fence showing each runner’s name, the event logo, and a word of encouragement. The weather was cool and clear. The double-loop, out-and-back course gave runners a chance to see all other participants several times. Runner names were lettered onto bib numbers so, although there were few spectators, we could cheer one-another. Most of the 6.5-mile course was on paved farm road but a short stretch at both ends was hard-packed gravel. One end was in Groveton and the turn-around was inside the Davy Crockett National Forest. The event started and finished on the track at the local school where locker rooms were open for post-race showers. Each finisher was announced by name, home town, and finish time then given a medal and a small stuffed bear numbered according to overall finish place. The post-race food included unlimited hotdogs, Fritos, doughnuts, and ice cream. There were fewer than 100 participants in the marathon but many more for the half that was concurrent on the first loop of the same course. I recommend this event to anyone who likes small marathons and friendly atmosphere. My only modest reservation was that the closest motel was about 20 miles away from the start.