The Royce Files

cheer squad It might have been freezing but Fargo showed up to cheer on the runners. All along 9th and 8th and Broadway masses thronged to glimpse the running spectacle. I believe this is one of the reasons this event draws so many participants- there are spectators. I have done other races and nothing makes a long run go better than a few words of encouragement or the excitement of lots of people. It is that energy that a crowd generates for the runners that makes this marathon special. The Fargo Marathon gets it right when they route the races into the neighborhoods and not on the outskirts of town. bell boy is tuckered out after 4 hours

A Lion greets runners at the Lions Club Aid Station I am not "lion" when I say Fargo is a friendly race. The city really gets behind this event. And it is evidenced in our spectators. Bells and bands, signs and shouts- we are out there throwing out our support. And it is also good to know that the runners appreciate it. I saw runners go by and give high fives to the kids. I was thanked no less than 5 times today and I was just on the side of the road ringing a cow bell. So great job Fargo! Below is one of those Kodak moment events of spectator/runner interaction on the course. Kids Cheer appreciation is given So if you are looking for inspiration for next year just look at the above example- make a few signs, cheer, applaud. And in turn get high fives all around.

So I might not be a weather forecaster, but I still think the weather does look good for a fantastic marathon. Today I took a look at the course again for this year's races. A video of the marathon course with commentary is up on the Fargo Marathon website . It is still a winding course. Plenty of turns. (It had been overheard Kenyans don't like all the turns. Even so, there will be a few Kenyans in the race.) Especially in the portion south of downtown. But that is real good neighborhood for running. I checked a few of the turns in that area and they are again marked on the road in white spray paint. The half marathon doesn't have as many turns in proportion to distance yet follows much of the marathon course. The half doesn't go as much into Moorhead or further south than Lindenwood Park in Fargo. It is claimed there will be bands at every mile. No word yet if that will happen but you never know. Best places to spectate appear to be the stretch near Mickelson Fiel...