Running with the Bears

Fun race for the most part but very disappointing and nearly dangerous lack of support at crucial times. When I was told "we're here until the last runner crosses the finish line" I foolishly assumed that meant food, snacks, and a photo at the finish. This was not the case. Even before 6 hours, a standard cutoff for other races, the snacks and photos were gone. There are volunteers there to cheer but that doesn't make up for a lack of support or clarity. I wasn't the last finisher but I was much slower than my usual pace because I was doing the event pregnant. My midwife cleared me (it was my 11th marathon and I was monitoring myself well) and the event staff knew I was pregnant. After talking to one of the race leadership folks I felt confident I'd have food and a photo of my finish. Not so! Had I known, I would have stashed more snacks from the last aid station. More importantly, my partner ran a different distance and at one point when he was alone on the road a car full of men shouting scary racist phrases began to harass him. He was an adult male with an 85lb dog at his side, I cannot imagine how scary this would be or how it could escalate if someone were a woman of color on one of the long lonelier stretches of the marathon. This was not the race staff and there was a bike on the road checking in with runners but this is the back country and there are plenty of times one is alone in the wilderness. I was broken hearted that my partner faced racist verbal abuse out on his run and that the finish line support left before 6 hours. Given the shuttle situation it took me a long time to get some much needed protein in my body post race. I will not be returning to run with the bears and will instead have my happy, healthy baby cheer me on at other locations that are safe and welcoming for people of color and runners at the back of the pack.

Awesome for the community, foster families, and a lot of fun.