SO WHAT WERE THE THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES OF THE INAUGURAL TACOMA CITY MARATHON?

LET US HEAR FROM SOME OF THE RACE PARTICIPANTS…YOUR VERY OWN…MARATHON MANIACS!

The Tacoma Marathon is a very memorable marathon and not just because I ran it with my wife. It is one of
the most visually interesting and diverse marathons I've run. There are new and old neighborhoods that
range from pristine to run-down. Some that made you want to run faster (for your life) and even some that
are historical and amazing. There are views of mountains and bridges and the ocean. You run through
downtown and city parks and along the waterfront and even through some thick woods at the zoo. You run
under bridges and over bridges and past bridges and even through a couple of tunnels. There were even a
few places that made you want to stop and take in the view for a few minutes, but we didn't. One of Jenn's
favorites was the water feature on the front of the Russell Investment building. I thought she was going
to run over and start playing in it. I usually see about 5% of the volunteers looking like they are doing
court mandated community service, but not on this marathon. Every single person that was involved in
volunteering out on the course had a smile for us or something positive to say.

King Arthur Martineau, MM 177

King Arthur Martineau and family Jack and Gunhild Swanson

TCM was a challenging course, but I felt like it was thoughtfully laid out. The first half was extremely scenic, and I enjoyed running through the old downtown Tacoma neighborhood, by Stadium Bowl and HS, and along Puget Sound. But for me, running through Pt.Defiance Park was definitely the coolest section of the marathon. The 2nd half was less scenic, but at that point you're concentrating on your pace and trying to grind miles out. Looking back, it seemed like after a tough hill you were rewarded with a nice stretch of downhill to make up time. The downhill finish was also much appreciated. Thanks TP, and to all of your people who put on such an outstanding inaugural marathon!

Guy Yogi, MM 28

Maniacs at the finish of the Tacoma City Marathon Hollywood Warren : "And miles to go before I sleep!"

I really enjoyed volunteering for TCM. I thought the race was put together well for an inaugural event and was really impressed with how many people came forward, runners and volunteers alike. My post was about 200 yards from one of the aid stations and I could hear the volunteers cheering loudly for the runners and walkers going by - very cool! I got a few moans and groans as I was directing people to go around the corner and they were faced with a hill. This wasn't a hilly course...or was it? =)

Stacy Otter, MM 204

Comments on TCM, huh?
Hills, hills, hills, hills, hills, hills, hills, hills, oh and by the way, did I mention hills? ;)

Best conversation heard out on the course? Which course has the most hills? Tacoma, Cap City, Seattle
or Seafair? Didn't hear anyone agree! But, very well done and I loved the last two miles!
Over and out...thanks you guys for all of your hard work!

sLuG~, MM 30

"Possum", "srlopez" and the "sLuG" Jake Lin Jason Gordon

First of all I would like to pass on my thanks and appreciation to the race director and all of the people who helped with the organization of the event. Nice shirt and finishers medal. Second, I want to thank all of the volunteers who came out to make sure the race went without a hitch. It was excellent.
When I saw this was an inaugural marathon, and there were going to be so many maniacs in attendance, I knew that I couldn't resist. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

When we arrived in Tacoma on Saturday, the first stop was the expo and package pickup. It was very well organized and everyone was so friendly. There was the usual talk about the race, including the hills. This talk caused a bit of concern because we hadn't really reviewed the profile of the course, but also the fact we are from the flat Saskatchewan prairie where you can watch your dog run away for three days. Oh well, we were there to run a marathon, so whatever the course throws at us we would accept. The good news is that the hills were not nearly as tough as they were made out to be, but I guess everyone would have their own opinion when it comes to hills. As far as the route that was selected for the race, we were very, very impressed. There was so much variation in scenery (beautiful old growth forest to some amazing friendly neighborhoods, as well as running beside a couple of big ocean freighters....a very big deal to prairie people) as well as various types of running surfaces. It was such a treat to be able to run through your city, yet spend a good part of the time on trails. Probably the most memorable part of the marathon was meeting so many new maniacs (and realizing I'm not the only crazy one out there), as well as renewing acquaintances with some maniacs that I have crossed paths with over the last year. It is such a unique group. We will definitely be recommending the TCM to all of our running friends at home and wherever we happen to be running. It was a fantastic event and I hope it will continue on without too many modifications.

Well, once again I just want to thank you and all of the maniacs that helped put on a great marathon. It was a blast!

Thanks

- runninguy (Darwin), MM 295

There were Maniac Pacers

Steve Supkoff Brian Pendleton

And there were Maniac Placers

Ruben Contreras "quack quack" Richards and Lesa Overfield

The inaugural TCM began with ideal running weather, low 50's and overcast. As always, it's good to see so many eager MM faces at the start. Of course, we didn't want to disappoint our very own TP, race director,
with a poor showing. The course had plenty of ups and downs, as promised. I didn't appreciate the torturous effects until I started walking after the finish. And, oh the punishment, to have to walk down those steps to the food stations! Anyway, enough of the end, back to the beginning. The first half of the course is the most scenic, winding through the Downtown, the Waterfront and Defiance Park with a fantastic view of the Narrows Bridge (prominently featured on the finishers medal). After that, it's down to business. I appreciated the three gel stations and our very own version of the Wellesley College cheer (thanks to Hooters). I wedged myself, happily, between the 3:10 and 3:20 pacers and made a good run of it. I met fellow MM, Mickey Allen, who left me in his dust trail and off to a 1st place AG award. I had to settle for 2nd. I knew Annie Thiessen and Terry Sentinella would have caught me if they hadn't been carrying that 3:20 sign. The nice downhill at the end lets you cruise in for a nice finish. All in all, well-done and well-organized. See you next year, but can I pick up my race packet on day of race?

Ruben Contreras, MM 60

Christel Elliot, Merita Trohimovich, "Hot Rod" Barmore Amy Grable, Bruce Quam, Dave Conger, Eric Barnes, Bobbie Howard

I had a great time at the TCM. I ran my best time of my past 20 marathons. Obviously, I liked the course
and everything else too. The expo was like meeting friends. I saw Martin Rudow from NorthWest Runner, got
a free hat from RoadRunner Sports and picked up my packet from a bunch of Marathon Maniac volunteers. I
definitely liked the micro-fiber SHORT SLEEVE race shirt. I got stuck in the back of the pack at the
start and since there was no "mat" at the start my first mile was slow. It did give me and my running
buddy MM Dave Conger, a chance to visit with people. I like starting with the half-marathoners.

The first 10 miles of the course were great! It was so cool running thru the old houses of Tacoma, Wright
Park and down Rustin Way. One of the guys that was running with Dave and I asked about the big ships tied
up on the dock and we explained profoundly (in marathon runners language of course..:-), that it was
due to the US Navy presence in the Puget Sound and these were relief supply vessels ready to go at a
moments notice to resupply the troops (whatever).

We ran with MM Diana "sLuG" Robinson along mile 8 and passed TCM 3:40:00 pacer MM Van "pigtails" Phan about
mile 9. It was fun talking with both of them as Dave and I cruised along, feeling good. Somewhere in there
MM Eric Barnes joined us and the conversation became even better. Mile 11 was tough with the Ruston tunnel,
hills and dirt paths changing direction alongside parking lots. I shouted to Eric and Dave to go on
without me as the multiple turns were tweaking my ankles a bit. The volunteers and chalk marks were very
helpful keeping me on the course (good job!).

Families at the Tacoma City Marathon

David Spooner Michelle Sarabia Jon Yoon

Fortunately for me, the TCM course swept onto the smooth paved roads of Point Defiance Park. I've run
these roads as part of the Tacoma Sound to Narrows event and if I focus on the views of the Puget Sound
and the smells of hemlocks and wet dirt, I can just cruise thru these miles. I caught up with Eric and
Dave. The Hooters aid station at Mile 14(?) was awesome. Eric, Dave and I looked forward to it for 1/2
mile and talked about it for 1 mile after.

About this time every marathoner asks themselves, what am I going to do today? MM King Arthur Martineau had
taken our pictures and Eric had dropped off to visit. I mentioned to Dave, "I wonder where MM Jon
'Coconutboy' Mahoney and MM Sherry Mahoney are?" We pondered this question and looked for opportunities to
view the course ahead and look for them. We thought we saw them way up ahead of us and I said to Dave,
"There's only one way to find out". We caught up with them at an aid station for mile 17(?). They are so fun to run with. The conversation just flowed. We dilly-dalleyed at mile 19 and Eric caught up with us.
There we were, 5 MM running along the freeway. I think the color yellow was a tossup between us and the
Scottish Broom.

Mile 22 saw Eric, Dave and I pull ahead. We wondered at times if we were on the course as we did not see
any of the reassuring TCM chalk markers. I mentioned this to TCM Race Director Tony Phillippi at the finish
line and he said, "Next year...". Mile 25 was a killer for me. I was not ready for the downhill (oh well, I
know what I need to train for!). Eric, Jon and Sherry all passed me. Dave stayed with me. I vowed to stay
ahead of Van. As we turned the corner onto the straight finish, I thought to myself...this is a great
finish! Majestic, appropriate distance, straight/flat(!), enthusiastic people. The recovery area was good too. See you next year.

Bruce Quam, MM 195

Stephanie "Crash" Day Linda Barton Janet Burgess Jill Hudson

You had to know that when an MM cofounder puts together (and directs) his own marathon, it would have to be good. After all, running so many marathons gives you a pretty unique perspective into what makes a great race/event. Well, the Inaugural Tacoma City Marathon lived up to the high expectations.

This was a well-organized race and a great new addition to Washington-state's race calendar. The course itself was certainly challenging with a good number of hills. Running through a mix of city, residential, and park settings allowed runners to see a variety of some great sites in Tacoma. As always, visiting with so many familiar faces from past races was a highlight. Plus, it was great to meet so many new people -- including a few that were using TCM to qualify for Maniac status.

I was given the opportunity to lead the 3:50 pace group. I had always wanted to do this and jumped at the chance when Tony asked for pacers. I highly recommend the experience to all MM's. Leading a pace group and helping others hit their time goals is a great way to experience a marathon. We had a great group running together at this pace as we balanced the uphill sections with the faster downhill sections of the course. The result was seeing several runners hit their time goals - including a few people in the pace group that earned a PR on this challenging course. Now, to make this a true Maniac event, it seems that it should really be a double. Run the course one direction on Saturday. Then, return on Sunday and run the reverse direction. I'll bet that will get Tony thinking for next year.

Steve Supkoff - MM 34

Rare sighting of Annie(mal) and Pigtails in Maniac Yellow…only at TCM!

TCM Commentary by aNnIe(mal)

Well hot-dang! Add a second reason to visit Tacoma! (Reason #1 - world renowned Meth-cooking vocational school.) As a Tacoma resident, I was notably impressed by the course and the ability to safely course through the streets armed with only my pacing sign. Thanks Tacoma PD! The course was brilliantly planned to highlight the best Tacoma has to offer from the revived downtown, the lovely waterfront with its sweeping views of the islands and mountains, Point Defiance Park, the Hooter's girls, the Narrows Bridge, beloved Hwy 16, and the notorious Hilltop - strategically placed near the finish to motivate a strong finish. tony! put it best when advising how to run through the area, "Run as though your life depends on it - because it will."

Of 75 marathon and ultras to date, TCM was one of my most memorable and fun marathons. I paced with Terry "Pacer to the Stars" Sentinella, who provided the pacing group posse with plenty of entertainment, a promise of a tutu and a mohawk, and plenty cross-training opportunities (push up at the mile markers.) The finish line was complete with the all of the usual suspects: Lenore's much awaited hug, tony's "man, aNnIe....," The Prez's sandbagging report, Hollywood's sparkling white teeth, and the Maniac family. The Tacoma City Marathon was, without question, the most well organized and thoughtfully planned inaugural marathons I have had the pleasure in which to participate. Kudos to Tony, Paul, Rob Hester, and all of the volunteers who made this event impressively successful and enjoyable. Missing this marathon next year would be a tragedy.

I think that Bruce summed up the TCM pretty well although I would like to add that I also had a great time and that for an inaugural race, it sure came off like a well established event. Good job to all of you involved in organizing it,you did well.I am looking forward to running it again next year.as always its good to see all you other maniacs out there. see you at the next race.

Dave Conger, MM 193

Mike Wakabayashi and Dennis Spurlock Pedro Infante and family

From Jeffrey Roger, MM 451

The 20th was a memorable Sunday of firsts. It was the first time I had met Maniac #33, Mike Schiach as we drove together towards Tacoma for the first Tacoma City Marathon. Almost off of Bainbridge Island and on to the Kitsap Peninsula we came to a halt about 500 feet from the Agate Pass Bridge which was being blocked by emergency vehicles. It was about 5:15 and we had another 60 miles to drive. The race started at 7:00. Hmmm??? I hopped out of Mike’s hybrid to see what the delay might be. “Jumper,” The fireman told me. “Been on every bridge in Kitsap County and actually jumped off of this one before. Can’t tell you how long, but no one gets through.”
“Should we turn around a ferry over,” I asked?
“Ferry crew’s stuck on the other side of the bridge so it ain’t running either.”

THE "BELATED" BAINBRIDGE ISLAND BAD BOYS

Herb Allen Jeffrey Roger Michael Shiach

I returned to the car to find Mike talking to Maniac # 42 Herb Allen. His was the first car in the line up and he’d already been waiting for 25 minutes. It looked like I might have to go home and finish the irrigation system I was working on. We waited, wished there was a Port-a-Potty and talked to new friends. As fortune would have it the jumper cleared the bridge at about 6:15 and we were off to Tacoma in a vehicle that recorded an average fuel use of 49 mpg, definitely a first for me. I had never been late to a race, but have lived in palm sweating fear of it all of my

competitive racing and now leisurely running life. As we crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and 7:00 came and went there was a certain inner peace I felt at having realized my worst fear. I was still alive. There was no brimstone and treacle and the sky had not opened up apocalyptically and swallowed me, Mike and the Prius whole. “Wow,” I thought. “That’s a first -- and pretty liberating too.” Besides, we figured the race was chip timed so ultimately we would have official times anyway.

We arrived at the race about 30 seconds too late. The marathon field had started five or ten minutes earlier, but we hit a crowd control intersection just as the front of the race was approaching. As the field passed our sour faces Mike introduced me to all of the Maniacs as they ran past the car, each introduction accompanied by a brief tale about the particular Maniac or their notable qualities. (For instance, does # 200 even HAVE a name?!?). Mike retrieved his race packet and he and I began to look for the starting mat. (I hated to see those Tortillas go to waste – nice touch TP!!!). Finally we found the starting line, a three foot long flour stripe. There was no timing mat. Oh well, now we truly were liberated form performance anxiety. There would be no PRs today. I locked in my GPS system, Mike adjusted his Timex and “Bang” the imaginary stating gun went off in our minds. The two of us trotted out of downtown Tacoma, at peace, amused and alone. At about 5K we began to catch the walkers and by miles 8 and 9 a few marathoners.

Jenny Appel Little Leslie Miller and Patch Dahl Darwin "runninguy" Weimer

The course was truly a beautiful course. Mike knew Tacoma and was able to orient me to all I was seeing. The early course wound through historic neighborhoods with splendid water views. We then descended Ruston Way along Commencement Bay towards Deception Park. The first uphill was short, but notable. Once in the park, however, the slow steady climb began. Good thing I was so overcome with the beauty and the views or else I might have cared about the hills. The tour through the park ended all too soon and then it was back to running the streets of Tacoma. Springtime in the Northwest is filled with rhododendrons, azaleas and by May 20th the first roses of the year. The homes reflected brilliantly the local horticulture and I think I spent most of miles 16-23 lost in reflections of the natural beauty. By mile 24 the fact that I had run only twice since January 13^th began to sink in and the final push along the trails that parallel the freeway and bring you back to historic downtown were somewhat of a blur as I focused deeply on my breathing to get to the end of this day. The finish was well stocked with better than average food and drink. Pudding, beef jerky, fresh fruit and flavored waters. Maniacs were everywhere and the joy of the first Tacoma City Marathon was palpable by everyone. Unfortunately, the day was overcast (hardly a Tacoma first, LOL) and thus Mt. Rainier didn’t show for this inaugural tour of Tacoma, but the promise of future TCMs may lend us all another chance to run beneath her majesty in years to come.

Lenore and Bob Dolphin David Stout Amanda Cohn and husband

There are many advantages to living on an island, but occasionally there is a disadvantage. One of those came up on our way down from Bainbridge Island to the Tacoma City Marathon on May 13th. MM Jeffrey Roger #451 and I had just begun our journey when we came upon police, aid, and fire vehicles blocking the road at the entrance to the Agate Passage Bridge, with their red and blue lights flashing. It was about 5:20 am and there were only a hand full of cars waiting in front of us. There was no sign of an accident, so Jeff got out and ran up to see what was going on. It turned out that a jumper had climbed over the side. They were not allowing any vehicles to cross the bridge in order to not startle the poor fellow (except the emergency room doctor at Harrison Hospital). Being late for a race or for a flight weren't good enough reasons. So we sat waiting for the guy to make up his mind. There was a negotiator talking to him, and they were keeping everyone away, as you would expect.

A fellow wearing a Yakima River Canyon sweat shirt came walking along and I recognized him was MM Herb Allen #42. Herb and his friend Jim had already been there for a half hour. Since there was nothing we could do about it, we just sat and talked. The thought of turning around and taking the ferry was squashed by the knowledge that the ferry workers were trapped on the other side of the bridge and couldn't get to the ferry, so that sailing had to be cancelled.

Finally, there was some commotion on the bridge, as they succeeded in talking the poor guy off the ledge, and they loaded him in a police car and off he went. It turned out that he had escaped from a mental health facility and had been on that bridge several times before, and once had actually jumped.

To get to the food…GO DOWN THE STAIRS!!! Michelle and Eric Barnes

We knew that there was no way we were going to make the start of the race on time, since we had been delayed for almost an hour. To add insult to our morning, as we were getting close to the start, an officer stopped us at an intersection and we had to wait for all of the runners and walkers to go by. Five seconds earlier and we would have made it through, but it was not to be. Herb was already past this intersection and was able to start well before we were. It seemed to take forever for the last half-marathon walker to saunter by.

Jeff and I helped each other to relax about this. I have always been nervous about getting to a race on time, but this time we knew we were going to be late and decided to be calm and just start when we could. After we parked and found the start line, I still had to retrieve my race packet with my number and chip. More delay. Finally we were ready, and headed to the start line, only to find that was the 10K start line, so we turned around and ran back to the marathon start line. We had our chips on but there was no mat at the start line, which meant only our watches would show our true running times.

Now we are the only ones in the marathon around. At every intersection we had to ask if we were on the right course, since we didn't know where the 10K went. We got a lot of strange looks since we didn't look like 10K leaders, but we also didn't look like marathon or half-marathon tail enders either. Finally we started to catch up to the walkers and then slower runners. That was great because we no longer had to worry about being on the right course.

Jeff and I ran together until just before the Rustin Tunnel, when he pulled ahead. I have always loved running through Pt. Defiance, and have run Sound To Narrows and other races there. Hilly as it is, it is just as beautiful.

Overall, I loved the course and found the volunteers to be extra friendly. They did more than just hand out stuff, they were engaging and seemed to be having fun. TP! did a great job assembling volunteers and designed a real nice course. Hilly, yes, but how would you not have hills in Tacoma? And hills are part of running; so if there is a hill on a course, the only thing to do is to run up it. Not a big deal.

My official time was 4:42:29, while my watch reports a more appealing time of 4:16:51, meaning that we started 25:51 late. I'm not sure how this late start affected my time, but I went in expecting to challenge the 4-hour mark, so I was slow. Maybe the casual attitude I adopted didn't help. But it doesn't matter. I did run the Tacoma City Marathon and I had a good time. That's the main thing. I wasn't trying to attain a BQ or a PR or anything special. I just wanted to run and have a good time, and that I did.

Thanks to Tony and everyone who helped put this fine marathon on. Great job all around!

Mike Shiach, MM 33

Maniac #200 Maniacs in Pt. Defiance Park Jim Boyd

And even some newly inducted Maniacs had great things to say about the Tacoma City Marathon….

I enjoyed the course. I liked running through the park and seeing the old trees. I enjoyed running trough the neighbor hoods. I did not know that Tacoma had some 100 year old houses. I thought that was cool. The
course provides opportunity for family and friends to cheer you on. That is important to me. My family and I like to make a family weekend out of the marathons. Tacoma provided that opportunity. We went to the
Zoo on Saturday. The zoo was great for the kids. I want to run that course again next year.

Shawn Gay, MM 561

Ray Shaw and Jane Herzog Gary Otheim "Coconutboy" and Sherry Mahoney

Fantastic organizational effort for a first-time race and a really good showing by the amazing volunteers who were friendly, warm-hearted and had a great sense of humor about the entire enterprise. There were a lot of little details that made me very aware that this was a race designed by runners for runners. Volunteers established eye contact before handing off a cup and they made all the right comments, e.g. "you're looking really strong" instead of the hated "you're almost there." The finish line area was perfect...a great opportunity to wander around and see friends. I also love the fact that it was so easy to trot back out a half mile or so to cheer on other finishers. Kudos to all the folks who stayed out and gave it up for the folks who came in after them.

I tend to like a hilly course and Tacoma City definitely didn't disappoint on that count. For those of us familiar with Tacoma and those less so, the trip through Point Defiance was a real treat. While I'm thinking about Point Defiance, hats-off to Gunhild Swanson who, unbeknownst to her, paced me all the way through Point Defiance and a bit beyond. What an incredible athlete she is and what an amazing sense of pace and patience! She dropped a good 15 people half her age coming through the park and was a great beacon out there in front for those of us behind her hovering right around the four hour mark.

Wright Park and the Ruston Way waterfront were also nice highlights as were the views of Rainier and the Narrows Bridge. At my pace, you get
to notice the view. : )

I have to give it up for the volunteers one more time in regards to the Vassault hill. It's a bit of a trek and you've already been climbing
steadily all the way through Point Defiance. I knew it was coming and understand that it's not nearly as bad as it looks, but some thoughtful
soul posted lots of enthusiastic volunteers along this stretch, starting with the very perky, dancing in the middle of the street gal showing the
turn coming right out of the park. They said and did all the right things to put a smile on my face, even going uphill AND into the wind.

I nearly tackled a spectator at the finish line when I overheard them saying that Ann Armstrong and Annie Thiesen had come in #1 and #2 in the
women's division. Forgive my divided loyalties, but Ann is a TNT coach and Annie...well let's just say that anyone who can be obsessed with
fashion accessorizing and serial marathoning is a hero of mine.

My only bit of constructive criticism goes out to the running community at large: Come on, people, it's only 26.2! Let's get out there and
show some support for your local race! I do actually understand (sort of) that the half marathon is a great distance that you can do
repeatedly, but knowing the size of the South Sound running community, I also felt that a few more folks could have figured out a way to step it
up and do the full.

Proud to be have officially entered the Insane Asylum and am now a bit hung up on figuring out which days to wear purple, which to wear yellow
and how to find a hat and socks that won't clash with either.

More than you asked for, but a quick note on the pacers...BEST EVER!!! I was within shouting distance of the 4:00 pacer for a good part of the
day and also saw the next two come in absolutely dead on pace. Great job!

Thanks!

Bonni Brooks, MM 570

AND A FINAL TRIBUTE TO A MARATHON MANIAC LEGEND

Waddle on El Penguino!

I ran my final marathon in Tacoma last Sunday. The surgery I had in September did not solve the problems with my back, and I am now fighting the effects of the arthritis that has developed in my spine. The joy I used to get from running has been replaced by debilitating pain--so I have decided it is time to retire.

I ran my first competitive race in 1959. In the 48 years that have passed since my debut in track and field, I have completed 164 marathons and ultramarathons, and countless races of lesser distances. My personal bests include a 4:12 mile; a 31:15 10K; a 2:32:09 marathon; a 3:56:54 50K; and a 24:15:28 100-miler. I have finished a marathon or ultramarathon on each of the seven continents, and I still hold the course record for the racewalk division in the 50.4 mile trans-Isthmus Ultramaraton de Panama. Long-distance running has been a life-long passion for me, and I will miss it dearly. You will still see me about at local 5Ks and orienteering events, but El Pinguino has waddled his last marathon.

Steve Frederickson, MM 105

Robert Hester Maniac #3 tp!

Winner of the Best Dressed Maniac Award! WIRED and definitely TIRED!

Thanks guys for a wonderful event. We hope to see you all again next year…SAME CAT TIME, SAME CAT CHANNEL!!!