Sunday, November 9, 2014

Half marathon in Xela

Half Marathon  in XELA

I ran  a half  marathon  today in Xela.  It is THE race in Xela and runners come from all over the western hemisphere  to run  it although 95% are from  Guatemala .   Xela being at 7000 feet created a bit of a challenge  for me and my time was far from  my best.  In fact  it was one  of my worst,  but I had a great time.  About 4000 ran it officially with maNY "Banditios".  Running here as well in many third world counties present unique  problems such as virtually no portátpotties  at the start or finish.  Don't  ask what most people do.  Water on the course can also problematic  as people would not drink it in cups due to fear that it may be contaminated ,  so the water comes in individual  plastic bags that you break open to drink.  This race was the best organized  that I have been in a third world  county and even had electronic timing and mats every two miles.  The crowds  were  great  and  the event  was broadcast  on the local radio station .   God Bless Dani  who ran  it with me and paid for the shuttle  ride  back.  The photo  is Dani, the father  in house  where  I am staying .






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