Fall Equinox in Fairbanks

This September, the Fairbanks area has had wonderful weather with several days in a row of 70 degree weather. Usually during this time of year, it's rainy and windy reminding one that the dark of winter is fast approaching; however, I have always loved this time when the air is cool and crisp, the leaves have turned yellow, and the brush is dying off allowing one to really see through the woods. I guess that's why a few years ago, I decided that if I was in Fairbanks and was in shape enough to at least walk, I would do the Equinox marathon. It's a fall thing to do in Fairbanks! (come join me....there is the 50th coming up...there is a three person relay division!)

Check out the course and more info at: www.equinoxmarathon.org

Here's what I found as far as historical information for the marathon in the UAF Sun Star published Sept 18, 2007: The marathon, sponsored by the Running Club North, was originally designed in 1963 by UAF cross-country skiers who wanted to run a challenging course, according to Steve Bainbridge, Equinox race director since 1995. "We've been running pretty much as it was originally designed for 45 years," Bainbridge said. According to Bainbridge, in the 60s, the marathon consisted of mainly walkers, and the community embraced the event, not so much as a race, but as a celebration of the fall. However, the Equinox later evolved into a sporting event. "The marathon got big in the 70s and it became more about running," Bainbridge said.

So on Saturday, Sept 19, my friend Cathy, her son Alex (age 8) and I participated in the 47th Annual Equinox Marathon. I was quite pleased finishing in 5:07:50 even after flying all the previous day home from Florida and that the longest run I had done all summer was 13 miles. Cathy and Alex finished in 6:33.....Alex was the youngest male to finish. What a great time for his first marathon! Cathy wasn't planning on running a marathon this year but after Cathy and Alex had run with me on various parts of the Equinox trail in August, Alex got it in his head that he wanted to run the marathon.

Some happy finishers.......



On Friday, Sept 18, Megan ran in the Salcha Invitational and had a great race finishing 2nd in a time of 19:34.4. Once again she had to sprint for the finish.

Next weekend is Regionals so stayed tuned!