A Sea of Silver

Today racegoers endured wind and rain at the 2008 Surf City USA Marathon and Half Marathon that took over the city of Huntington Beach. 

The estimated 15,000 runners and walkers that suited up for the event huddled under their silver foil panchos– given to them post-race to keep the muscles warm– creating a reflective huddled mass. The haze of the drizzle made the air near the coastline wet and chilly. 

Every participant who finished donned a surfboard shaped medal around their neck as they crossed the finish line on Pacific Coast Highway between 1st Street and Huntington Street. 

The announcer at the finish line kept cheering the runners on as they crossed, some raising their arms for a sparse crowd of spectators. And the faint bleep sounds from the race tracking devices on each runner's shoe signaled another finisher. Runners were handed 

water as they crossed, and following the instant gratification of hydration, PCH became littered with paper cups. 

Money raised at the Surf City USA Marathon benefits Run for Mobility participants for the Free Wheelchair Mission. However it seemed the main order of business for most runners was dulling the post-race pain with a cold Michelob from the beer tent. 

As I walked the grounds of the finishing area, runners walked and chatted exchanging stories about their pace at the start of the race, their level of exhaustion and various sightings along the scenic oceanside course.

 Participants had been running since early that morning depending on the varying start times for each race, and everyone looked drained from exertion and the elements.

The Surf City USA Marathon and its festivities went on as planned, but wet weather was one more thing participants had to cope with.

For more info on the race visit http://www.runsurfcity.com/site3.aspx