Race to Robie Creek

Can you spot Jess?  Hint: He is near the front.

This past Saturday Jess, along with 2,400 runners, competed in the Robie Creek Half Marathon.  Jess was the 280th runner to cross the finish line at 1 hour 57 minutes making it into the top 12%.  Race to Robie Creek is different than most half marathons in that there is a 2,100 ft.climb in 8.4 miles to the top of a mountain.  This race has been dubbed "the toughest half marathon in the Northwest." 

Having run in a handful of races, Jess always reports back to me on food and goods that are given to the runners at these competitions.  At the 8 mile marker of this particular race, there was a "Temptation Station" set up with cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, cigars, and alcohol for the beleaguered runners.  More food tents awaited the runners at the finish line with pasta, breadsticks, and stuffed potatoes.

Our favorite race (as a family) has been the Pocatello marathon.  Not only did Jess receive running equipment, but there was cotton candy, Great Harvest bread, Texas Roadhouse meals, ice cream novelties, and gatorade galore served at the finish line.  Music blared over loud speakers, and the kids enjoyed playing in the bounce houses.  It was like being at a carnival but for free!  Well, almost for free.  There is the actual fee to run in the race. :)