Keith's 50k

So Keith ran his first race in June. I know... he ran! For a guy that hasn't ran more then a mile in his life to turn around and run a 50k race is crazy. No really I am so proud of him because at first I have to admit I was skeptical but changed my tone when he got a training schedule and set to it. His friend Jerry told him about the race one day and then Keith looked into it and decided he wanted to try it out. It is in the Big Horn Mountains just outside of Dayton, Wyoming. I have to mention also that the 50k race isn't the only race ran that day there is actually a race that starts the day before at 11:00 a.m. You heard me right it is the 100 mile race that starts on Friday and ends if you are lucky on Saturday afternoon. The winner of the 100 mile race ran it in 19 hours!!! I luckily was sleeping. :) That's not all though there is also the 50 mile race and then the 50k which is 32.4 miles and the 30k which is 18.6 miles. So here are the pictures of the race and a fair warning to you all that I took a lot of them.

This is a map of the race. Keith's race started at Dry Fork and is the loop on the map. That is how I got to see him at mile 14 since he came back to the start and then headed for the finish from there.

On the left is the road that Keith starts his race on and the right is the road that leads him to the finish.

Here is Keith and his friend Jerry stretching and trying to get themselves ready.


Here is Joel another friend that ran with Keith and Jerry. Here they are setting their watches.

And they're off! Keith is the one close to the back on the left in all blue. Slow start to the race, since it was all up hill almost everyone walked.


Finally to the top of the hill.

I got to set up a blanket and read a book and this was the view I had.


Racers started to show up and I was getting really excited to see Keith. He is the blue spot in the middle of the pack.

Not very nice to have to go up a hill to get to the aid station.


Almost there and he is smiling!


It was muddy and so he had to change his socks and shoes.

This is the picture of the aid station and the food they had for the runners. Burgers and M&Ms anyone! I have to tell you that the volunteers at all the aid stations were great. As soon as runners showed up they were cheering them on and getting them whatever they needed as fast as they could so that runners could be on there way.


Getting ready for the last leg of the race.


And they are off again!

On the way down the mountain I had to stop and take pictures of this beautiful place.


So nice!


The finish was in the park in Dayton and here he is almost at the end.

He just ran 32 miles in 7 hours and he is still smiling. He also had a nice cheering section because Jason and Gina and kids showed up to cheer him on to the finish. Thanks you guys for being there for him.


Crossing the finish line!


Way to go Keith! I am so proud of you for setting your mind to running this race and then reaching your goal!