7th BLT of 2019 at the apparently ironically named “Sun Marathon.” A chilly morning gathered around a few fire pits trading stories with John G Lent and then the point to point, net down hill race through southwest Utah began. Several good rollers but nothing intolerable, all under cloudy skies with light on and off rain. It should have been a good situation to pull out a sub4, but it fell apart in the last 4 so 4:08ish it is. I’ll take it. Fun Fact: In the early 1950s nuclear fallout from above ground nuclear testing in Yucca Flats (northwest of Las Vegas) was routinely blown into present day St. George. As a result abnormally high incidence of cancer diagnoses were reported from the 1950s until the 1980s.
Huddling around the fire for warmth at the start area.
Early miles of the “Sun” Marathon.
The 4 hour pacer made me walk the plank for the first 22 miles until I accepted sub4 wasn’t happening today.
Holy Geology, Batman!
Actually this was my first rodeo (of the day).
A lonesome tree. 😢
Headed into St George for the last few miles.
Probably not my favorite miles of the course. Most of the course was the shoulder of an unclosed road, this section was under construction and sucked.
Gunlock State Park
The Red Mountains. Oh those clever Utahans! Where do they come up with these outlandish names? 🤷🏼♂️
Post race Utah “beer”
Sweaty idiot is too pleased with himself.
Race shirt. Short sleeve. Cotton tech blend
Medal
Bib. Again, one has to wonder if the Sun business was a joke.
