Baltimore's Best Day!

I absolutely love Baltimore Running Festival day!  Living at the Mile 23 mark in the 3000 block of Guilford Avenue gives me a front row seat to the elite runners, the sweaty personal besters and the side-holding walkers who are so close to the finish line but yet, still, so far. This year's race was blessed with fantastic weather, a bumper crop of runners, dedication of a permanent finish line and, the biggest purse ever.  All reasons to cheer in this eleventh year of marathoning.

For me and my neighbors, though, one of the biggest cheers went out early in the morning.  Setting down our first cup of coffee, we stomped, clapped and whistled as the wheelchair marathoners sped by.  Led by a corps of the Baltimore City Police Department's motorcycle brigade, these marathoners flew by on three-wheeled chairs powered only by the strength of their upper bodies. It's an awe-inspiring sight and always brings a tear, or two.

The elite runners soon followed, this year about fifteen minutes later.  I had watched them on TV until they were at mile 22, then ran outside to catch them as they too flew up Guilford, not breaking stride, not breaking a sweat.  Runners from Kenya and Ethiopia led the pack, having taken over a Baltimorean, the science teacher and running coach from Garrison Forest School.  In previous years our neighbor, John Spurrier, has played the national anthem of the runner in the lead.  This year, with the lead unclear John opted for upbeat Caribbean music.  This, coupled with cheers and clanging cow bells got the block rockin'!

The really delicious part of the day, and what made it "the best" for me, was watching my husband and neighbors "high five" as many runners as possible as they chug up the hill, joining the crowd in shouting "this is the last hill; you can make it!", greeting neighbors not seen in ages and, meeting new neighbors for the first time.

This year I met a family visiting from Michigan who happened upon the race on their way to "The Book Thing".  They were delighted by our colorful houses, the dancing tigers at 30th and Guilford and the media vans set up nearby.  Needing to get from one side of Guilford to the other, they got a lesson from WJZ's Mike Schuh on how to cross over by "running with the runners".  Fun!

My block was supposed to be a "snack stop", with volunteers distributing bags of potato chips ripped open for quick and easy eating.  The delivery didn't make it to us this year and though disappointed, the lack of official volunteer duties freed us up to wander about a bit.  A quick stroll to the 2900 block of Guilford revealed no gummy bear guy but instead, paper cup shots of Natty Boh!  Wildly popular and much appreciated by the runners.  Made me want to run just to get some.  A guitar player at the intersection of 30th and Guilford continued to play even though he was slightly drowned out by the constant playing of "Eye of the Tiger" by the tiger twins atop an SUV.  I didn't get his name but I hope he returns next year, maybe to the turn at 29th and Guilford.  Think about it - chips, beer, a serenade as you head for home.

Though we didn't get to hand out potato chips, and the gummy bear guy didn't post, this was still one of the best marathons ever.  The collection of people from every demographic, standing side by side watching their friends and family run past was a little slice of heaven. Neighbors sharing breakfast, coffee and treats gave the day the festival atmosphere suggested by the marathon's name.  I can't wait until next year's marathon.  I hope all of you will make your way to the 3000 block of Guilford in 2012 and join in the fun!