On Sunday, February 29 Burtch Davis, Teresa Sanders (a friend from Jackson) started 2 minutes behind the starting line at the 2004 Mardi Gras half marathon in New Orleans.  This year the race started on time.  All policemen showed up for their assigned duty.  The weather was wonderful, slightly warm with a breeze.  The flat course was perfect for my first official half marathon. 

            Teresa left Burtch and me during the first mile.  Burtch left me behind during mile seven, after my 5-minute port-o-john stop.   During the run I saw Brandy Mixon, Dawn Smith, Antha Estridge, Denise Longino, and my sister Sandra from New Albany.  Richard Sims and Phillip Wedgeworth were found hanging around the day before at the trade show.  Jim Coll, Steve Ulery, Vicki Copeland, and Terri Woolbright must have been there because I saw their names in the results.   

            There were lots to see and hear along the 13-mile route.  Mile three included happy dogs barking from balconies.  Mile 11 we witnessed business deals being made on front porches. The historic homes were magnificent on Esplanade Blvd.   And, then there were the jokes from the AIDS runners.  The other disease groups running were more subdued. 

Water was provided every two miles, but mile 10 was like a mirage in a desert.  Beer, peanut butter /jelly sandwiches, M&M’s, and other goodies were served.  Because I wanted to show my appreciation, I took some of all and tarried a little while and enjoyed this time of energizement (this might be a new word!). 

            After my refreshment break I ran with more gusto than ever before and finished strong inside the Superdome. I came in about the same time as the sixth place male marathoner and about 19 minutes before the first female marathoner.  The party afterwards was fantastic.  Beer, chips, Pepsi, red beans/rice, king cake, and smoothies were served.  There was plenty for everybody.  I visited with Bob Clark while he enjoyed his after run refreshments.   

            This run is one of my favorites now.  The finish inside the Superdome and the easily accessible refreshments make this race super nice!  The trade show is also a plus.

Submitted by Martha Ray Sartor