20 DOWN, 30 TO GO…

Valley of Fire Marathon, Nevada
Number of Runners: 35
Elevation: 1,868’
Time: 4:06:55
Weather: 78 degrees, partly cloudy

After running in triple digit temperatures yesterday, Valley of Fire was not exactly the most appealing destination for the next marathon. But names can be deceiving. Not only were temperatures cooler, Valley of Fire was an amazingly scenic place.

We were greeted at the start by a street lined with American flags. A very emotional Race Director had been out until two in the morning preparing things, and the start looked magnificent, with the flags blowing in the breeze and the red mountains framing the background. This was to be the last ever Valley of Fire Marathon, the Park Service could no longer support the event. True to the tradition of the race, we began with the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. It was a memorable moment, a group of runners standing proudly on a road lined with flags, brilliant beams of sunlight shooting through the gleaming white clouds, about to depart on a run through one of America’s most scenic State Parks, for the last time.

We got underway, and the course was absolutely stunning. The route follows a lightly traveled two-lane road the entire time, passing by spectacular formations of sandstone that appeared to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. At mile seven we spotted a Peregrine Falcon perched atop a rock spire, looking down upon us as we ran.

Joining the group today was my good friend from Canada, and Badwater veteran, Ferg Hawke. There was a runner who had run with me yesterday in Arizona. A Priest. One fit Army Ranger. There werethree first-time marathoners among the group. Two of the runners in the group were planning on running the Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in San Jose on Sunday, one of which had driven all night to get to the run today, and was running another marathon tomorrow on his way to San Jose! There were a couple of Ironman triathletes, a couple of Ironwomen Mom’s, and one proud Grandmother.

At mile 23 we were met by a local high school cross-country team who ran the last few miles with us, and at mile 25 we were joined by 100 5th graders from Grant Bowler School and J. Fuller School who ran with us to the finish. It was just amazing to be running down this beautiful road through the Valley of Fire with all these kids running alongside us. The collective rumbling of our footsteps sounded like a herd of stampeding buffalo, and the crowd waiting at the finish said they could hear us coming around the corner before they could see us.

There were so many amazing moments today: running with all the kids, hearing the stories of the other runners, immersing in the natural beauty of the surroundings. One of the most moving moments came when the Army Ranger walked up to get his finishers Medal. He had removed the Badge he’d received from his tour of duty, “Here,” he said, placing it in my hand, “I want you to have this.” I am forever grateful to our servicemen and women for protecting the freedom and liberty of people around the world so that events like the Endurance 50 can be possible, and his warm gesture filled my heart with pride.

As we were packing up and preparing to depart, the Race Director came up to me with a beaming smile. After witnessing all the positive energy and camaraderie that took place today, the Park Service said that they might be able to work something out to keep the race going. It was the best news ever. If we runners can have an impact like this, let us never stop.

Long live the Valley of Fire Marathon!

All the best,
Dean

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Comments

[Adam Pratt]

I've been wanting to run the Valley of Fire Marathon, but my schedule hasn't permitted it the last year or two. I sure hope it can keep going, just like Dean!

[Jarom Thurston]

Dean (and fellow runners at the Valley of Fire Marathon)...I drove 5 hours from Utah the night before, slept in my car at the entrance of the National Park, ran a wonderful 26.2 miles with you all and then had to get in my car for another 5 hour drive home. Thank you all for your courage and determination. And thank you Dean! btw...you have a wonderful family, I got Alexandra's and Nicholas' autographs along with yours in your book. Your wife was very supportive and friendly towards everyone at the event. I enjoyed talking with her and meeting your children. They have a great example and father. Remember: YOU ARE CHANGING THE SPORT OF RUNNING FOREVER!!! (#20 was awesome) Jarom

[Karen]

Beautiful. When is the Valley of Fire Marathon usually held? I'd like to support it by running it next year.

[Amy Love]

Dean,

Just wanted to thank you for being so polite, running with everybody at least once, caring about everybody's needs and making conversation with the entire group. It was a great experience. Seattle was full up so I flew down for this one. I wasn't quite in marathon shape but I knew the group and your courage would keep me going. I had to arrange a lot of babysitting for this but it was worth it to be able to say I was a part of this. You are amazingly humble and I should hope more athletes and children look to you as a role model.

[Judy Denver]

Dean, thanks for your influence on the park service. I had, earlier, registered for the Valley of Fire Marathon this year (Nov 18) because it looks like a beautiful course. A couple of my crazy friends have planned to run it with me (since it's the day before my birthday, when I graduate to the next big age group). We were disappointed to hear just recently that the course was going to have to be changed drastically, but now have hope that we'll get to run in your footsteps. Thanks!

[Joyce Forier]

WOW! What an amazing experience- my first double marathon! In AZ on Thursday someone said, "You're almost as crazy as Dean is". I said "Since I'm only doing 2 in a row, I'm only 4% as crazy, but thanks for the compliment". Valley of Fire was surely a highlight,though. Amazing course, caring RD, and an opportunity to run with some really interesting people. Running with you was a blast! Met your parents- they're so sweet! You're very fortunate to have such a wonderful family. See you in DC-- and possibly one or 2 others?? Missing Garret and Jason in the support car on my training runs :(

[Annette Deakins]

I am not sure who is more amazing, you, your wife, your parents, or your staff. I fell in love with them all!

It appears Valley of Fire WILL run on the original course, at least for this year. Thank you for helping me save my race.

I was feeling a bit burned out from the weeks events, but when I arrived Friday morning to your smiling staff and had runners waiting for at the start, I remembered why I put this event on. Because I love people and running.

I ran St. George on Saturday as well, I really needed that release and the time just to do my two favorite things, talk and run. :)

Thank you for being a positive roll model. The world has needed one for a long time and I can't think of a better person than you. Keep up the great work!

[Mitchell Chan]

Thanks for the great race Dean, that was the most memorable marathon I have ever ran, the park was amazing, I will remember this race for as long as I live. I was the one who was gonna run another race after Valley of Fire, but I got into an accident and couldnt make it to Big Sur for the race, but I did make it to San Jose that day for the half marathon and finished it!!! I had a awesome experience, thanks for treating us like celebrities during the course with all the water, Cytomax, bananas, energy gel, etc. Good Luck with the rest of your journey!!

Run if you want, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.

[Jeff Kriner]

It was an absolute honor and privilege to run with you and everyone else at the Valley of Fire. This was the best event I have ever been a part of, and you have changed my mindset about personal limits. Take care and the best of luck in everything you pursue. See you at Badwater...