The Chosen Marathon is an amazing race held in a beautiful location and well worth our travel to Texas. The energy and atmosphere was indescribable. Race day always has a different energy and is very exciting no matter what you are running for. But the way this race was done was inspiring. I would do it again in a heart beat.
We arrived in San Antonio Friday evening and traveled to New Braunfels to pick up our race packets. Then we had just enough time to scoot on over to the reception that was put on for participating families. This race was founded by a Christian woman and is sponsored by a Christian organization called Abba Fund. The Spirit was strong as the founders shared their story and the motivation behind Chosen.
Brad and I scored our carb-heavy dinner after the reception before settling in to our hotel. Saturday morning we headed to the race nice and early. New Braunfels is a quiet rural area and we wondered if we would have any trouble finding the free parking area in the dark.
No problem.
Music blaring, police cars at every intersection directing traffic, and giant flood lights everywhere. Wouldn't see that in a rural neighborhood in California at 6am...
It was overcast and dark. But the energy was high and everyone was excited to race. We were greeted by a man who had seen us on the flight the night before and he and his wife wished us luck. We chatted with a few runners who were participating just for the race and others who were running for their babies or their friends who were adopting.
The race was preceded by a prayer and the National Anthem. I like Texas...
It was humid and surprisingly warm. Brad and I worried what it would be like once the sun came up.
About 10 minutes before race time
Fortunately the cloud cover kept it cool and a nice breeze began when we approached the river.
Mile 9 crossing the Gruene River
While there were a few serious runners the grand majority of participants were novice runners or walkers. It was a great group to be in. Everyone was cheery and supportive. Every step carried the positive attitude and "we're all in this together" feel of the adoption community. It is hard to explain, but it was awesome.
All along the course there were huge signs reminding us of what we were running for. The final stretch to the finish line was amazing. I had a great video, but because of a technical snafoo, it is gone. But imagine 2 dozen 10 foot tall signs with images similar to these all along the final turn to the finish line.
I cannot say it enough, this race was awesome.
And the icing on the cake: Team Running to China has contributed $2,525 toward bringing our son home.
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