Race Report - Napa-to-Sonoma Half Marathon

This is definitely not my typical race report as I did not run in the race but had an amazing opportunity to volunteer at the finishing line! I have volunteered at races before but at water stops or with on course support, never at the finishing line.

As the motorcycle escorts made their way down the final stretch I was super excited to watch the lead runners come flying down the final straight away and cross the finish line! It was awesome to be able to watch the winners and elite runners finish. Adding to the excitement, the course record was broken by over a minute!

Watching all the runners come in and seeing the sense of accomplishment and excitement on their faces was inspiring. It was great to hear people screaming and so happy to have finished, especially those who were completing their first half-marathon. I especially enjoyed watching and congratulating those runners whom I remembered and chatted with at the expo the day before.

This was a completely different race experience and I am surprised at how much fun I had helping rather than running. I was jealous of all of the runners out there on the course running while I couldn't. I was especially jealous as the clock ticked along at my average half-marathon time, wishing I was crossing the line! It was great to be able to experience the event and post-race activities and break-down from a different perspective. I loved being able to see what's involved, the large number of volunteers required and congratulating the runners. I helped break down the event and finish with all of the clean-up. Usually I leave the race right after finishing which I probably won't do anymore. It was awesome to talk to runners hours after they had finished, see them with their friends and families and being a part of all the post-race festivities take place.

There is so much that goes into a running race, it takes a strong group of people and volunteers. I have a greater appreciation for race directors and organizers after helping out this weekend. I will definitely be less critical of races that I don't feel are well organized and I will make an extra effort to thank as many volunteers as possible!

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