367 runners/walkers were there. 9AM Race-time temp was 58 degrees with a light breeze. Really nice. Registration and the post-race party were held inside of Fort Gains, which is a great place for a party (see pics). The course was uncluttered, very well-marked,  and flat-as-a-pancake (make that “flatter”-than-a-pancake). They had plenty of course monitors at the major corners and a water-stop at the half-way point.  The starting gun was a cannon. A  REAL cannon. And loud! When it fired, I resisted the temptation to dive for cover. We actually ran through the smoke from the discharge. When approaching the finish line, the runners were looking right at the ocean, which was great view for the end of the race. First place overall, Jon Bowie, 35, Daphne, AL, 16:04. First place female, Amy Huff, 38, Daphne, AL, 19:04. Becky Ryder won second in her age division, 28:11. Hollie Ryder, 3^rd overall walker, 36:00. Eric Weill, 8^th in age division, 23:05. Karisa Nelson, 12, Brewton, AL, 19:37 (Holy Cow!). Great post-race party in the fort! Along with the fruit and bagels, they had beer and hotdogs!  

After the party, I did some exploring on Dauphin Island. Went to Sea Lab, which is an aquarium near Fort Gains. Drove to the last house on the west end, parked, then walked another mile west on the deserted beach. Encountered a sea monster, which was disguised as a twisted piece of driftwood (see pic). 
 © Eric Weill  See results