February 18th- Marathon

I got up at 3:45 this morning so I could watch the runners in the 24th
International Moorea Marathon as they passed by on the street. The first
wave of runners left from the starting point before sunrise at 4:30 this
morning.

Among the racers were contestants from Austria, Australia, France and a
large group representing Italy.

This 26 mile race started at PK0 ( the dirt road intersection to Temae
Beach on the main island road), heading toward Cook's Bay and on to Opunohu
Bay. At the turn-around on the Papetoai side of Opunoho Bay the runners were
given a wristband to wear until passing the finish line back at Temae Beach.

There were festivities to celebrate after the race at Motu Temae.

As you can tell, it was very dark at the beginning of the race. After the
runners passed by the first time, I went out back and sat on the dock
looking at the magnificent skies.

Then it was back to the street to cheer the runners along as they headed
back toward the finish line.

The young lady in the last two photos was a one person cheering squad for
everyone. Jumping and giving encouragement to all of the racers (I did not
understand her French), but she elicited smiles and waves as they passed by
her. The one photo of her jumping up and down is out of focus, but she was
so much fun to watch I had to include it. She is the daughter of my neighbor
on the west side of me. She was having a grand time.

I am sure I will be in bed very early this evening!