Monument Avenue 10k

Personally, I have no desire whatsoever to ever participate in a marathon.  Apparently, I'm in the minority though, because over 41,000 people participated in the Monument Avenue 10k, a famous Richmond event, this past Saturday.

Since Mike lives along Monument, where the race is run, there's quite a flurry of activity outside on race day.  It all starts at about 4am, when they start loudly towing any cars still parked on the street, and the street sweepers start their incessant passing as they spray water and sweep away any debri.   It's pretty weird seeing Monument Avenue so desolate.

It did not stay empty for long though.  The race started at 8:30, and pretty soon the hoards of runners made their way down our side of the road.  

Only 26 minutes after the race begin, the fastest racers were making their way down the other side of the street, about 1 mile away from the finish line (I think?....they were close).  The escort of the police motorcade and the trolley led the way...

Not surprisingly, a Kenyan and an Ethiopian were neck and neck: 

Some other sights from the day: 

                                      

This guy was out starting at about 8am.  Possibly the least effective religious based sign I've ever seen.   I'm sure as soon as the race was over, he resumed his post at the abortion clinic on Grove Ave. where I usually notice the nutsos hanging out.  

I missed the bulk of the race because someone decided it would be a good idea to plan a Junior League volunteering session about two blocks away from the start/finish of the race DURING the race.......yeah. 

There was A LOT of black and gold in support of VCU, as their first run at the Final Four was later that night.

It quite a nuisance to live on the street where this huge event occurs, but also a really cool experience to be in the midst of 40k+ people as they propel themselves 6 miles using their own body strength and energy.  Again, something I do not want to do, but I'm really good at standing on the side of the road/on the porch and watching!