Better Late than Never!

A 4:15am wake-up call, a breakfast of frijoles, pan y café, loading vans with t-shirts, signs and people and we were off to Villa Olimpica for the Grand Maratón.

Hundreds of people arrived at the start line, and there was a flurry of last minute participants.  The staff of El Hogar got everyone registered and assigned a bib number. About 25 children from El Hogar, and another dozen or so from the Technical Institute and Agricultural School were sponsored to run as well.  (Photo courtesy of El Hogar's Facebook Page)

Eduardo Bennett led everyone in a warm up, and then we were off.

Ten kms through the winding hills of Tegucigalpa, I would find myself happily running down a hill, but then remember that I would have to run back up it eventually…   I finished with a time of 1:17.  Nothing to write home about, but considering I had no training, I’m pleased enough!

The gates of El Hogar were open as everyone crossed the finish line. 

The atmosphere was exciting as the Folk Dancers danced and the Marimba Band marimba-ed. 

Claudia, Lazaro and Matt handed out the trophies to the winners of each category.  Two boys from El Hogar came second and third in the 2km catetory!

We even had some extra protection…

The staff have worked overtime for the past few weeks promoting and preparing for the marathon, and got a much deserved day off the Monday after.  Mucho tiempo libre and naps for everyone!  (Mine may have been 2.5 hours...)