Yesterday marked the Dallas Running Club's 35th annual half marathon, better known simply as the DRC Half. One of the country's oldest half marathons, the DRC's signature 13.1 mile race was first organized in 1976, and this year literally thousands of runners, spectators and volunteers descended upon the trails at White Rock Lake to enjoy the perfect balmy weather along a scenic course with moderate hills and copious sunshine. After the jump are our top five observations, written mostly during mile three when we still had detectable brain activity.
1. Getting smoked by heavily pregnant ladies ought to be against the rules; they're working with a teammate. Not fair.
2. If you're not wearing neon (shoes, headband, laces or elsewise), why did you even show your face?
3. Despite the fantastic cats from DPD who helped keep the course clear and safe for runners, every race will inevitably feature some crazed douchette in a Beemer honking and almost plowing over defenseless runners. You know who you are, and the entire City of Dallas thinks you're a creep.
4. Trending fad: Facebook tagging oneself at mile-markers. As in, "Brentney Hamilton is at mile 11 ... and she just pooped herself."
5. It's great to run with a group, but be sure to make new friends by asking the wildly bedecked lady beside you where she got her sparkling tutu and by laughing with the three big dudes who click their heels for the camera at mile nine.
Oh, and as always, thanks to the police officers and volunteers at water stations! They were a built-in cheering section and deserve a little encouragement in return.