Hospital Hill Run 2014

The 2014 Hospital Hill Run was held on Saturday, June 7 in Kansas City, MO.   The race was set to begin at 7:00 am.  There was a 100% chance of rain forecast for the day so we were hopeful that the race would go on!

Walking to the hotel lobby prerace with my sister Caren and friends, Laura and Sandra.

All dressed up ready to go.

We were up by 5:30 am to get ready to head to the lobby for prerace prayer at 6:30 am .  Really didn't need an alarm clock as the thunder and lightning mixed with the anticipation and excitement of running the race was enough to rouse us.  By the time we were dressed, the rain was coming in sideways and the thunder and lightning appearing more frequently. Prayed we would be able to find some trash bags since none us us remembered to bring a rain parka. About 20 people showed up for our prerace prayer in the middle of a jam packed lobby of runners taking shelter.  We joined hands and thanked Him for being able to be at this race.  We prayed for God's protection over us, the race and all the runners and for the weather to "simmer down" enough to keep the race from being called off.   And then....we sat back and waited.

So, here we are.  Our makeshift rain coats.  Now we're ready!

The race had a 30 minute delayed start as the storm passed through.  And did it ever!  It just stopped.  Just in time as we headed to our corrals. Chad Speer (farthest left in the photo) remarked that this was nothing other than God.  Had to agree with that one.  It stayed rain free until about mile 2.  From that point on, it was a nice soft rain with intermittent downpours.... in other words, it was a glorious day!  The temperatures stayed down, the humidity was low and the runners acted like kids as they ran through the puddles.  It was awesome!  As the name suggests, the race had a lot of hills-big hills.  But, as they say, everything that goes up must come down.  The downhills were a reward for getting over the humps.  The aid stations were so friendly and plentiful-a very well planned race.

Was blessed to run this race with my sister and brother in law.  These medals were huge and must have weighed 3 pounds!  Loved them.  Enjoyed some postrace chocolate milk and then off to warm up.

3187 runners finished the Hospital Hill Half marathon.  I'm unsure how many dropped out before the race or dropped down to the 10k because of the rain.  But to those that did either, a great time was missed.  God's presence was all around us in the form of raindrops to refresh us, old friends to laugh with, and new friends to enjoy.   What a reminder of the reason we run.   God willing, will run this for the 5th time next year.  Did I say that I love this race?!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of running and endurance.  Thank you for the gift of joy and being able to laugh, praise and worship you in the rain.  I praise You for Your presence at this race and for Your grace and mercy every day.  In your precious name Jesus, Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Hanging out waiting for the rain to stop.  Notice out the window how dark it is?

My brother in law was our "outfit maker" tailoring us all with beautiful trash bags.  Thank you Hefty!

Carl Chapman and his daughter running together. Love these guys.