This was certainly the most unique 1/2 marathon I’ve done.  I’m so thankful that Chris was able to run this one with me.  It would have been a very lonely race to run solo.  We flew in to Las Vegas mid afternoon on Saturday.  The packet pick-up was very low tech in a hotel room.  We found a fabulous vegan restaurant for dinner.

At 9pm, we boarded the bus that took us 2.5 hours outside of Las Vegas to the border of area 51.  Luckily, we were able to catch a nap on the bus.

First we dropped off the marathoners and those doing the 51K.  A few miles down the road, they dropped us off for our 12:30am start.  We all had to wear reflective vests and headlamps.  Some folks got really into the spirit of the race, wearing great costumes.  Chris and I are not really costume runners (although who knows…)

The race itself was very cool.  Between the full moon and headlamps, the road was fairly well lit, although the rest of the landscape, off the road was completely in shadows.  It was so quiet and peaceful and the weather was perfect. Chris and I just kept our sights on the vests and headlamps ahead of us and tried to slowly real them in (spent a good 1/2 of the race chasing a red flashing beacon).  Low-tech water stops which seemed to fit the race perfectly.  It ended at the Little A’le’inn restaurant (more of a convenience store/bar/alien gift shop) where happily they had beer and french fries and a great alien theme.

Then, back on the bus for a snooze and a ride back to Vegas. After a shower and nap at the hotel, we made our way back to the same vegan restaurant for “chicken” and waffles which were AMAZING!

6 down, 44 to go!