Guus Bosman

We just came back from Hickory where I ran the Charity Chase race. It was great fun, and I'm proud of my 2:23 result for the half marathon.

I was 3 minutes slower than in Raleigh two months ago, but the track was very challenging with lots of hills, and it was much warmer also.

It was great that Sasha was there; we left yesterday afternoon and spent a nice evening in Hickory, before getting up at 5.30 am to go to the race. Hickory is nice! We were pleasantly surprised: a cozy downtown area with lots of restaurants and places with outdoors seating.

The race itself was very well organized and there were lots of volunteers everywhere, very friendly folks. The scenery was beautiful, but especially the last two hills were very challenging ("Cemetery Hill" especially).

The start, a little before 7.00 am.

Guus in the crowd.

At mile marker 9. Very warm!

Split.

Mile 13... almost there.

Just after the finish line, around 9.30 am.