SEWARD – The Mount Marathon race was a wet and slippery one for more than 600 runners who dared to make the 3,000-foot climb.
“We got word from people who climbed to halfway that there is a lot of slick spots from quarter way to halfway,” said Lori Draper, a race committee member.
It takes a tough mind and body to make the trek.
“It was like one step up and two steps down. You had to crawl your way through the bushes to keep going up. And then down was rock, over snow so you would take a few steps and slide to it was pretty exciting, pretty fun,” said 17-year-old Tsania Mahlen.
“You have to step up and really try. It's a very worthy race,” said competitor Jean LaBonte who also races with her daughter and husband.
Many of the ladies came off the mountain covered in mud, with scrapes on their elbows and their knees were dripping blood. Women said this race shows they’re just as rugged as the men.
“I think the girls play harder and do it with grace,” said Shirl Kendall.
Even though it’s a competition racers said sometimes it takes a team effort to make it.
“There was one case going up the mountain, I lost my footing, and started sliding back and two ladies came to my rescue. Slowed them down, but they helped me right up the hill. And it's all about teamwork. “One lady said I love this race! It's a good female camaraderie race,” said Mary Beth Koster.
Runners said it was a great race despite the slippery slope and they can’t wait to return next year. They just hope the rain stays away.
For the complete list of results click here.
